Appliances with CFCs are Not Accepted at NEDT Collection Centers
The following information is provided to help you find alternatives for disposal. Appliances that contain CFCs are generally not accepted at NEDT and other collection centers. Chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFC or CFC5, can be found in old refrigerators and AC units.
If you’re trying to dispose of an older appliance, such as a refrigerator or AC unit, you may have encountered issues related to a hazardous product they contain: CFCs. These chemicals, banned by the EPA, mean your appliances can’t be disposed of easily and require the use of special equipment and certification to be properly discharged. These products cannot be disposed at NEDT or similar facilities, so what are your options when it comes to disposal of appliances with CFCs in Massachusetts? You can learn more about products we don’t accept here.
Hazards
- Appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a substance that, when released, reacts with ozone in the upper atmosphere, reducing this layer’s protective properties against ultraviolet radiation and are categorized by the EPA as an Ozone-Depleting Substance.
- The most common kind, R-12—commonly called Freon—was used as a refrigerant and can be found in appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.
Handling
- Handle in a way that does not damage coils containing refrigerants.
- Under federal law, CFCs must be removed before the appliance can be discarded.
Management Options
- White goods – large appliances including ovens, washing machines, and refrigerators – are banned from disposal in Massachusetts. All appliances using CFCs are included in this ban.
- If an appliance is still functioning, call your electric company to see if they have a takeback program for high-demand appliances.
- Most appliance dealers will remove old, unwanted appliances for free or at a small cost when delivering new appliances purchased from them.
- Use online search engines such as Google or Bing for freon removal companies and/or scrap metal dealers that accept white goods. Ask for certification that CFCs are removed according to EPA protocol. CFCs must also be removed from car air conditioners before they can be scrapped.
- A number of Massachusetts companies accept CFC-containing appliances for recycling. Use an online search engine such as Google or Bing to find one in your area. Fees can vary widely, so it is a good idea to do some comparison shopping.
- Recycling Works Massachusetts has a list of appliance/white good recyclers, including junk haulers and donation centers, and you can find more options with RecycleSmartMA.org’s Beyond the Bin.
- Learn more about your options in our blog, Dealing with Appliances with CFCs in Massachusetts.
This information was brought to you by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) and NEDT. For more information, including links to their guides, visit our Fact Sheets & Links page, and make sure to check out our NEDT Blog and Household Hazardous Products Resources for more in-depth information.
