How to recycle fridges and freezers

Find a nearby place for fridges and freezers

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How to recycle fridges and freezers

Use a council, retailer or approved electrical collection. Cooling appliances need controlled treatment because they can contain refrigerant gases and oils.

Possible recycling routes

Charity donation pointsReuse shops and centresElectrical recycling pointsHousehold waste recycling centresRetailer take-back points

Prepare fridges and freezers for recycling

• Remove food and defrost the appliance
• Secure loose shelves and doors for transport
• Keep the cooling circuit intact

What must stay out

Keep these items separate and check the site rules before you travel.

• Do not cut pipes or remove compressors
• Collections can charge and require the appliance outside
• Charities accept only safe and saleable units

Types of site to check

These site types can list fridges and freezers. Each provider sets its own limits and access rules.

• Charity donation points

  Charity shops, donation banks and collection services for clean, safe and saleable goods. Each charity decides what its local shops can accept.

• Reuse shops and centres

  Sites that accept usable household items for resale or redistribution. They can be at recycling centres or run as separate community projects.

• Electrical recycling points

  Drop-off points for electrical items with a plug, battery or cable. Accepted item sizes vary by site.

• Household waste recycling centres

  Council-run sites that accept many types of household recycling and waste. Local rules can cover booking, proof of address, vehicle permits and charges for some DIY waste.

• Retailer take-back points

  Shops and delivery services that take back selected products or packaging. Rules depend on the product, the retailer and whether you are buying a replacement.

Collection and take-back services

These services may offer another route when a local site does not list the item.

• Find your local council

  GOV.UK sends you to the council that manages household recycling and waste services for your postcode.

• Currys electrical recycling

  Currys accepts electrical items for recycling in stores and offers take-back options with some deliveries.

• Electrical retailer take-back

  Retailers can take back old electrical products under UK waste electrical rules. The service depends on the retailer and the item size.

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  Washing machines, tumble dryers, dishwashers, cookers and other large domestic electrical appliances.

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Questions about recycling fridges and freezers

Where can I recycle fridges and freezers?

Enter your postcode in the local finder to search charity donation points and reuse shops and centres and electrical recycling points and household waste recycling centres and retailer take-back points near you. Check the provider page before you travel because item lists and access rules can change.

How should I prepare fridges and freezers for recycling?

Use a council, retailer or approved electrical collection. Cooling appliances need controlled treatment because they can contain refrigerant gases and oils.