Around 3 million fridges and freezers are disposed of in the UK each year (2002 figure). Older fridges and freezers contain ODSs (ozone depleting substances), which are chemicals which damage the ozone layer if released into the atmosphere. These can be found in both the cooling system, and in the blowing agent used to make the insulating foam. It is therefore very important (and a legal requirement) that old fridges and freezers are disposed of responsibly. You can take them to your local household waste facility, or your council is obliged to provide a household collection service, although they may charge for this (ours charges £23 - not cheap!).

If you are buying a new fridge or freezer, your supplier may offer a disposal service. Check with them that this is in accordance with the law - just ask.

As a rule, if your appliance was manufactured before 1994 it very probably contains ODSs.

Newer fridges and freezers use hydrocarbon coolants and foam blowing agents.

How to Tell if Your Fridge/Freezer Contains ODSs (Ozone Depleting Substances)

The chemicals used in the cooling system and insulation of the fridge or freezer should be stated on an appliance rating plate, usually found on the back of the appliance.

Rather than the chemical abbreviation CFC, HCFC etc, a code is often used as follows: