Metal and Appliance Recycling
Why Responsible Appliance Recycling Matters
Ever wonder where your old appliances go after they’re hauled away? Too often, they end up in landfills where they rust, take up space, and release harmful substances into the environment. Since appliances aren’t biodegradable, they contribute to long-term pollution and unnecessary waste.
The good news is that appliances like refrigerators, stoves, washers, and dryers can be safely and efficiently recycled. These items often contain valuable metals and components that can be recovered and reused—once any hazardous materials are properly removed through a safe and regulated process.
However, recycling appliances the right way requires following environmental guidelines. Many units contain refrigerants, heavy metals, or other toxic elements that can contaminate soil and water if not handled correctly. That’s why it’s essential to partner with a certified recycling provider like Responsible Recycling Services, who ensures every item is processed responsibly and in compliance with all regulations.
What Is Freon, and Why Does It Matter?
Freon is a common trade name for a group of chemical refrigerants, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), that were historically used in older refrigerators, air conditioners, and freezers. One type, CFC-113, is a colorless, non-flammable liquid that was widely produced for cooling applications before its environmental impact was fully understood.
The problem with Freon and other CFCs is their effect on the ozone layer. When these gases leak into the atmosphere—often due to improper disposal of appliances—they contribute to ozone depletion, which increases UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. Due to these environmental concerns, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has heavily restricted the production and use of CFCs like Freon-113 under the Clean Air Act.
While Freon is no longer manufactured for most new appliances, it can still be recovered and recycled from older units for limited reuse. However, this process must be handled carefully and legally by certified professionals. At Responsible Recycling Services, we ensure refrigerants are properly removed and managed to prevent environmental harm. Recycling your old appliances with us helps protect the ozone layer and keeps harmful substances out of the atmosphere.
Why Metal Recycling Matters
Recycling metal—especially steel—not only reduces waste, but also protects natural resources and saves massive amounts of energy. Here’s why it makes a big difference:
Cuts Pollution at the Source
Recycling scrap metal reduces mining waste, air pollution, and water pollution by up to 70% compared to producing metal from raw ore. It’s a cleaner, more sustainable choice that helps protect our environment.
Steel: The Champion of Recycling
Iron and steel are the most recycled materials in the world—and for good reason. They’re easy to sort using magnets and can be reused repeatedly without losing strength or quality.
Big Energy Savings, Big Impact
Steel recycling is incredibly energy efficient. In fact, the energy saved through U.S. steel recycling each year is enough to power about 18 million homes—that’s roughly 1 in 5 households.
Built to Be Recycled
The average household appliance, or “white good,” is made of approximately 65% steel—making appliances an excellent source of recyclable material and a smart target for responsible disposal.
Items We Accept for Recycling
We accept all types of metals such as:
Exercise Equipment
Metal Framing Materials
Filing Cabinets
Bed Frames
Pipes
Doorknobs & Hinges
Rain Spouting
Appliances:
Refrigerators/Freezers
Ovens
Air Conditioners
Dehumidifiers/Humidifiers
Microwaves
Garbage Disposals
Washing Machines
Dryers, Dishwashers
Water Coolers
Your item not listed? Just give us a call or send us an email with your item(s) and we’ll let you know if we can accept them for recycling.