What Happens To Refrigerant Gases
When it comes to clearing out properties—whether homes, offices, or commercial spaces—appliances such as fridges, freezers, and air conditioning units often need to be removed. These items present a unique challenge because they typically contain refrigerant gases. For a clearance company like We Clear Everything, handling these gases responsibly is not just a matter of good practice; it is a legal requirement in the UK and an important part of protecting the environment.
Refrigerant gases, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), are used inside the cooling systems of refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioning units. These gases are highly effective at heat transfer, which is why they are used in cooling appliances. However, they can be extremely harmful if released into the atmosphere. Some refrigerants, like CFCs and HCFCs, are known to deplete the ozone layer, while others, like HFCs, are potent greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change.
When We Clear Everything is tasked with removing an appliance containing refrigerant gases, the process starts with careful identification. Our teams are trained to recognise which items contain these gases and to ensure they are handled separately from general waste. This is because it is illegal in the UK to dispose of fridges, freezers, and similar appliances in landfill or with general rubbish without first removing the refrigerant gases.
Once identified, these appliances are transported to specialist recycling facilities that are authorised and equipped to deal with refrigerant gases safely. At these facilities, the first step is to remove the refrigerant gas from the appliance. This is done using specialist extraction equipment that safely captures the gas without releasing it into the air. The extracted gases are then stored in secure containers for further processing.
What happens next depends on the type of refrigerant gas. Some older gases, like certain CFCs and HCFCs, are destroyed using high-temperature incineration in controlled environments. This process breaks down the harmful chemicals, preventing them from damaging the ozone layer or contributing to global warming. Newer refrigerants, such as some HFCs, may be purified and recycled for reuse in other cooling systems, provided they meet strict safety and quality standards. In some cases, the gases are permanently destroyed to ensure they do not pose a future environmental risk.
The appliances themselves are also recycled. Once the refrigerant gases and any hazardous oils are safely removed, the rest of the appliance is dismantled. Metals, plastics, and insulation materials are separated for recycling wherever possible. This approach not only diverts waste from landfill but also recovers valuable materials that can be used in the manufacturing of new products.
For customers of We Clear Everything, this entire process is handled seamlessly. We take care of the collection, transportation, and delivery of these appliances to the appropriate facilities. Our customers do not need to worry about finding a specialist contractor or ensuring compliance with environmental regulations—our service includes all of these steps as standard. This means that whether you are clearing out a single fridge from a flat or dozens of units from a commercial property, you can be confident that the job will be done responsibly.
In addition to legal compliance, responsible refrigerant gas handling is a key part of our commitment to sustainability. By ensuring that these harmful gases are safely removed and disposed of, we help reduce the environmental impact of property clearances. Our goal is to recycle as much as possible and minimise what ends up in landfill, and the careful management of refrigerant gases is a crucial part of that mission.
It is worth noting that improper disposal of refrigerant gases can result in significant fines and penalties. UK regulations are strict because the environmental consequences of releasing these gases are so severe. For landlords, property managers, and homeowners, using a reputable clearance company like We Clear Everything provides peace of mind that your unwanted appliances are being dealt with in accordance with the law and with respect for the environment.
In summary, when We Clear Everything removes appliances containing refrigerant gases, those gases are never simply released or discarded. Instead, they are carefully extracted by specialists, then either destroyed or recycled according to strict environmental standards. The appliances themselves are also recycled wherever possible. This process ensures compliance with UK regulations, protects the environment, and provides our customers with a straightforward, stress-free solution for clearing unwanted items from their property.