Fridges and freezers are classified as electrical waste under the WEEE Regulations 2013. The refrigerant inside—usually an F-gas—must be safely degassed before the fridge is dismantled, a process regulated under ODS regulations and the F-gas regulations. Attempting removal without proper authorisation risks environmental damage and legal liability.
When you book a professional fridge removal service, your appliance goes to an approved authorised treatment facility (AATF) where it's depressurised, drained, and separated into recyclable materials: metal, plastic, and glass are recovered; hazardous components are disposed of safely. You'll receive a waste transfer note—essential proof that your old fridge has been handled legally. This document protects you; it shows the local authority and Environment Agency that the appliance didn't end up in a landfill or fly-tipped. Licensed carriers handle the entire chain, from collection to final recycling.
