Is your old air conditioner ready to be put out to pasture… permanently? When your cooling appliance has stopped keeping you, well, cool, it’s actually pretty exciting to think about an upgrade that will get the job done. But if you are the type of person who has a hard time figuring out which household items go in the garbage and which go in the recycling (I mean, what doall those symbols mean, anyway?), then the prospect of disposing of an air conditioner properly may give you serious anxiety. There are a number of considerations when it comes to recycling and disposal of large appliances in general, but even more so when dealing with appliances with hazardous chemicals (like coolant).
The Materials in an Air Conditioner
Air conditioners require chemicals that can be environmentally dangerous, and are required by law to be safely removed before disposal. This includes refrigerants (whether Freon/R-22 or newer replacement coolants). Removing these compounds can be dangerous, and it should be left to a professional. Then, the AC’s metal (such as steel) and some components can be recycled according to local ordinances.
Window AC Units
Small air conditioners can be both tempting to dispose of incorrectly, and challenging to get rid of correctly. As a standalone unit, it’s easy to consider leaving it on the curb and forgetting about it. The problem is that between the hazardous refrigerant and other compounds, and the recyclable metals, tossing an AC on the curb is not environmentally responsible—and your municipal waste disposal or recycling staff may not take it anyway. Search online or call around locally for these options, some of which may net you some extra cash:
- Recycling centers: this way you’ll know whether or not ACs are accepted, and in what condition (especially whether or not they can handle safe removal of the refrigerant).
- Scrappers: many scrap buyers will pay for a number of the components in an AC, including the metal, R-22, and electronics/motherboard.
- Your utility company: some local electric companies will pick up old appliances and offer bounties or rebates. Check their conditions, though, as some require appliances of a certain size and in working condition.
- Charitable organizations: for a still-operable and safe unit, some charitable organizations may accept and be able to use your old AC.
- Internet or social media ads: consider placing an online classified to sell your old AC, either as a still-working unit or for parts.
HVAC Appliances
Larger central HVAC units pose many of the same issues for consideration as do window ACs. Refrigerant, recyclable parts, and an unwieldy appliance may make it a challenge. But if you find yourself needing to dispose of an old central air conditioner, chances are good that you’re replacing it with an updated unit. The good news is that most retailers/installers will also haul away your old unit, professionally remove hazardous chemicals, and will make sure your new installation is top notch!
Looking to trade up to a new air conditioner? Give us a call or contact us!
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A lot of air conditioners we have used over the years had only been sitting around in our basement. It’s good to know from your article that there are some recycling centers that can help us handle our junk properly. This will be good news for my mom, because she had refused to dispose of them the ordinary way in fear of releasing some harmful chemicals inside.
