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1)
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Oils and Refrigerants – The refrigerant and contaminated compressor
oils are completely evacuated from each appliance. The refrigerants in older units
contain ozone-depleting gsses. These are separated and sent to a qualified handler.
The oils are recycled for other industrial uses.
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2)
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Compressor – Some older refrigerators and freezers have compressors
with capacitors containing PCBs. These are sent to a qualified handler for destruction.
The compressors are recycled.
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3)
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Refrigerator Panels – The panels are shredded and metals, plastics
and foam are separated.
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4)
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Metals and Plastics – In addition to the metal and plastic recovered
from the refrigerator panels, interior metal and plastic shelves and bins are removed
and recycled. Approximately 150 pounds of metal and 25 pounds of plastic are recovered
from each appliance.
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5)
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Glass – Glass shelving is crushed and recycled as aggregate in
concrete. Because it is tempered, the glass cannot be mixed with container glass
waste streams.
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6)
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Polyurethane Foam Insulation – Many older units have foam insulation
that contains ozone-depleting gases, such as CFC-11. The insulation is ground into
a fine powder and then heated, capturing the harmful gases. The gases are distilled
and purified using a carbon filtration system, then liquefied and shipped to a qualified
handler for destruction. The remaining powder is free of CFCs and is recycled into
solid foam products.
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7)
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Mercury-Containing Devices – Switches and thermostats that contain
mercury are removed and destroyed by a qualified handler.
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