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Spring cleaning? Keep the environment clean, too
March 2010
Before you finally dispose of an outdated, energy-hogging refrigerator, freezer or air conditioner, consider the impact it will have on the environment.
Some old appliances contain chemicals that are harmful if leaked into the environment. Refrigerators, air conditioners and freezers made before 1995 contain chlorofluorocarbons (better known as CFCs) and most air conditioners manufactured after 1995 contain hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and both chemicals can harm the Earth’s ozone layer. Many appliances harbor other chemicals like oil, mercury and hydrofluorcarbons that may not deplete the ozone but still require careful disposal.
Properly disposing of appliances keeps these chemicals out of your air and water, and ensures reusable materials in the appliance are recycled. First, check with the service delivering your new appliance—most companies will remove your old one for a nominal fee. Ask if the old appliance will go to a recycling center instead of a landfill.
If that’s not an option, visit Earth911 (http://earth911.com/recycling/) to find recycling facilities for large appliances in your area. Many areas have curbside appliance recycling programs that will pick up a used appliance at your front door. Before kicking them out to the curb, remove doors from refrigerators or freezers to prevent children or animals from getting stuck inside.
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