Fridge and freezer disposal crisis

Across the UK there are delays when trying to dispose and recycle old fridges and freezers. Some councils have suspended collections altogether, while others have had to restrict services as storage areas fill up with fridges and freezers. The fridge and freezer disposal crisis problem is not being caused by local councils. Instead, it stems from a national shortage of specialist recycling facilities able to process fridges, freezers and other cooling appliances.

What’s causing the issue?

Fridges and freezers cannot be recycled in the same way as many other electrical items. They require specialist treatment to safely remove refrigerant gases and insulating foams before materials such as metal and plastic can be recovered.

Fridges and freezers are more likely to fail during hot weather. With summer of 2026 full of heatwaves it has increased the number of fridges and freezers that need to be collected and recycled. 

In recent months, there has been closures of treatment facilities that dealt with fridges and freezers in the UK. Add to that a lack of alternative processing capacity has created a growing backlog building up across the country. As a result, councils are finding it increasingly difficult to move collected appliances on for recycling.

The Local Government Association has warned that stockpiles of unwanted appliances are growing at council sites around the country, describing the situation as a potential “mountain” of broken fridges and freezers if action is not taken.

What happens to old fridges and freezers?

Fridges and freezers contain materials that can harm the environment if they are not treated correctly. Refrigerant gases can contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere, while insulating foams require specialist handling.

When the fridges and freezers are sent to approved treatment facilities, these materials can be safely removed and recycled. Metals, plastics and other valuable resources can then be recovered and used again, helping to reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

How does this affect us?

Many of us want to do the right thing by recycling old appliances. However, the delays in the national system recycling of fridges and freezers has led to fridge and freezer disposal crisis. It means collections for recycling these items take longer than normal.

Some councils have paused fridge and freezer collections completely while they wait for processing capacity to become available. Others are asking residents to delay arranging collections where possible.

The disruption highlights how dependent local recycling services are on national recycling infrastructure. When specialist facilities become unavailable, the impact is felt by councils and the public.

How can we help extend the lifetime of our fridges and freezers?

Fridges and freezers are designed to last for many years, but simple maintenance can help them work better and stay in use for longer. Keeping appliances running for longer also reduces waste and lowers the demand for new products and the materials needed to make them. Here’s our tips

• A build-up of dust on the condenser coils can make a fridge or freezer work harder than it needs to. Cleaning these coils every few months can improve efficiency and reduce wear on the motor. It is also worth checking the door seals regularly. If seals are cracked, loose or dirty, cold air can escape, forcing the appliance to use more energy.
• Defrosting freezers when ice builds up is another simple way to keep them working well. Large amounts of ice reduce storage space and can make the appliance less efficient. You should also avoid overfilling your fridge, as air needs to circulate to keep food at the correct temperature.
• If you are moving home, taking care when transporting a fridge or freezer can help prevent damage. Appliances should be kept upright wherever possible. If they need to be laid on their side for transport, they should be left standing upright for several hours before being switched on. This allows the refrigerant and oil inside the system to settle. More advice on Moving a Fridge Freezer: Your Expert 2026 Guide Orange Box Self Storage
• Small repairs can also help avoid premature replacement. Damaged door seals, broken shelves and faulty thermostat controls can often be repaired or replaced at a much lower cost than buying a new appliance.

By looking after fridges and freezers and repairing them where possible, we can help cut waste, save money and keep valuable appliances in use for longer. For more tips go to AO Fridge freezer maintenance care and cleaning tips and in-depth advice on moving fridges and freezers on Moving a Fridge Freezer: Your Expert 2026 Guide Orange Box Self Storage.

What can we do with our fridges and freezers?

If your fridge or freezer is still working, consider whether it could be repaired, refurbished or reused before disposing of it.

If you need to replace an appliance:

• Check whether the retailer offers a take-back service when delivering your new appliance.
• If you arrange to pay for someone to collect it, make sure they have a waste carrier license. For full details on what to check, see Don’t let your waste become the next fly-tip – ActforEaling Climate Action Hub
• Never leave appliances on the street or dispose of them illegally.
• If collections are temporarily unavailable, store the appliance safely until a collection or recycling option becomes available.

Building a more resilient recycling system

The current fridge and freezer disposal crisis shows the importance of investing in recycling infrastructure. Also we should design products with repair, reuse and recycling in mind leading to them being used for longer.

By repairing, reusing and recycling wherever possible, we can reduce pressure on the waste system and help protect valuable resources. This is a circular economy which keeps products and materials in use for longer, reducing waste and dependence on limited recycling capacity.

So please check local guidance before arranging a fridge or freezer collection and to explore reuse options whenever possible.