How To Dispose Of Air Conditioners: Proper Waste Management
Recycling comes easy for most items, but the process is slightly different when it comes to large appliances. According to reports, not enough large household appliances are disposed of properly. This leniency in proper disposal hurts the environment. As consumers, appliance use doesn't end in the disposal. The effects of poor disposal continue to harm the environment in many ways. In this article, we will focus on how to dispose of air conditioner the right way to prevent releasing harmful chemicals in the atmosphere.
A Guide On How To Properly Dispose Of Air Conditioners
Air conditioners are bulky, and we understand why it's tempting to get rid of them the quickest way possible. But part of being a responsible consumer is learning the proper way on how to dispose of air conditioner. Before we get to that, let's examine some of the reasons why proper AC disposal is a must.
What makes air conditioners hazardous to the environment?
- Refrigerants in old air conditioner models are potent greenhouse gases that destroy the ozone layer.
- Air conditioners, freezers, and refrigerators, which all contain refrigerants, are considered hazardous waste and must not be disposed of in the trash.
- New air conditioners contain hydrofluorocarbons, which are non-ozone depleting but are still considered greenhouse gases.
Now that we are aware of how crucial it is to properly dispose of air conditioners, let's look at some disposal options.
Options For Proper Air Conditioner Disposal
There are several options available on how to dispose of air conditioner, which means if one doesn't work for you, you can try a different option.
Option 1. Contact your electricity provider for bounty programs.
- A bounty program is a locally sponsored program that gives you bounty so they can recycle your appliance. If a bounty program is not available in your area, move to the next option.
Option 2. Dispose of your air conditioner through your retailer.
- Disposing of an air conditioner means you're getting a new one. Check with your retailer to see if they can dispose of your old AC for you. This service can be part of the sale or merely a trade-in with reduced cost on your new appliance.
Option 3. Check on the disposal programs in your area.
- Federal and state regulations require proper disposal of air-conditioning units. Check with your local sanitation department if you need to accomplish anything before disposal.
Option 4. Recycle your air conditioning unit.
- Recycling your unit is an excellent way to donate to a worthy cause and earn a tax deduction at the same time. Some local organizations also reuse parts instead of putting them in a landfill. If you have an old AC unit that still functions, you may want to consider this option.
Option 5. Contact your air conditioner's manufacturer.
- Some manufacturers partner with organizations for the disposal of their appliances. And depending on the model, some may offer to repurchase them from you as well. Check with your manufacturer if this option is available.
Option 6. Sell your old but functional air conditioning unit.
- Since the marketplace has shifted online, the quickest way to sell an old AC unit is by creating an online listing. There are different sites you can choose to attract potential buyers. There's always a market for second-hand purchases, and if you have an old but functional unit, this is an option to consider.
NOTE: All air conditioning units manufactured before 2010 must be disposed of properly since they can no longer be refurbished with new refrigerants.
Now that we have the options for disposal, all you need to do is choose one and go with it.
Steps For Preparing An Air Conditioner For Disposal
All air conditioners have a cooling refrigerant, and as mentioned earlier, these are potent greenhouse gases that are harmful to the atmosphere. Now that you've picked an option for disposal, these are the things you need to do to prepare your AC for proper disposal.
Step 1. Remove the doors or windows of your air conditioning unit to prevent any small animals from getting trapped. Include covers and hatches that may pose a threat to little fingers exploring your unit.
Step 2. Contact a professional to drain your unit's refrigerant. This step may cost you a service charge, so if you prefer to skip this, you can check other disposal options that will take your unit as is.
Step 3. Separate the hazardous waste from the unit. The coolant and refrigerant must be taken separately to a center for the hazardous waste collection so they can be disposed of safely. The tanks, hoses, and tubes containing these refrigerants are considered hazardous waste and have to be disposed of separately.
Step 4. Ensure you have the proper assistance when disposing of old air conditioners. Most AC units are too heavy for one person to handle. Prevent causing harm and injury to yourself and others by asking for assistance when figuring out how to dispose of air conditioner.
Step 5. Move your unit with caution and with the right equipment. When moving your air conditioning unit to the disposal option of your choice, be careful not to damage anything to prevent leaking, which is harmful to yourself and the environment.
Conclusion
When learning how to dispose of air conditioner, it's important to understand why before understanding how. The effects of reckless disposal should cause concern. Most homes nowadays require at least one AC unit, no matter how small the space and the demands will continue to rise as more people improve comfort in their homes—choosing and using a unit are not the things that make us responsible citizens. In being aware of how these appliances affect the world we live in, and knowing what to do about it, ensures our world stays safe for generations to come. Here's how to learn more about disposing appliances.
