Disposing of old fridge

[tinstartrvlr]

Greetings all,

Didn't find an answer by searching, so apologize it I missed it somehow.

Sometime in the near future I plan to replace my standard rv fridge with a residential.

If I get it from Lowe's, they will deliver new and take away old, but I was told by an acquaintance that they won't take an old rv fridge because it's considered a "hazmat" issue due to the chemicals in the cooling unit.

Does anyone know how to get rid of one of these fridges? I know some folks have just tossed them in a dumpster, and maybe that's okay; I don't know.

Thoughts?

[SaltiDawg]

My County Government will accept all appliances for recycling at no cost.

[doxiemom11]

I would strongly suggest you offer any good parts for sale or even free if you have any. Our Norcold is 17 yrs old and the only thing that could use help is the door seals. You cannot replace them, but need to buy new doors. We are getting doors that have good seals from someone who is replacing their non-functioning Norcold. The trim panels are interchangable. This will save us several hundred dollars. There is also shelving, glass pieces, bins, circuit boards, thermistors etc that people can use.

[free_radical]

Take it to the metal recycling center,,or call someone who does this..

[Dutch_12078]

When we bought our residential fridge at Lowes, the fellows that delivered it were fine with loading up the old fridge and taking it away. I think they were just happy that it was already sitting outside. 😉

[ScottG]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
The issue is IF cooling unit is 'intact'....ie: no leaks/still pressurized with hydrogen and ammonia (300 + PSI)

20+ years ago I needed to get rid of a RV fridge and didn't want to pay the local authorities $30 to do so.
I decided to remove the cooling unit and cut it up in little pieces for recycling. Then I could put the "box" in the garbage like a common cooler.
First couple of cuts went OK and then I cut into a high pressure line. It sounded like a gunshot and sprayed me with ammonia. I got a lung full and as my vision started going down to a tunnel, I had presence of mind enough (finally) to stumble out of the garage and get fresh air. I'll never forget the sight of that bright green ooze running down my driveway.
The ammonia was burning my leg and I could feel it burning the edges of my lips, ears, etc.
That ammonia is STRONG!\

Sometimes I look back and I wonder how I made it to this age.

[Almot]

My city won't pick anything up for free.

But, local utility company will pick it up and even pay you a little - at least, for 120V fridge. You have to call them before taking it to curb. Not sure about RV ammonia fridge.

Local CL is full of metal recyclers that will be HAPPY to pick up anything metal for free, thanks to people-rich and resource-poor China.

[tinstartrvlr]

Thanks all,,,great suggestions.

I will check with a dealer and see what they do.

It does work, albeit frustratingly, so when the time comes maybe CL is a good route.

Thanks again.

[Old-Biscuit]

The issue is IF cooling unit is 'intact'....ie: no leaks/still pressurized with hydrogen and ammonia (300 + PSI)

IF it leaked then the ammonia vapor & hydrogen gas have escaped and all that is left is water, sodium chromate (anti-rust inhibitor)& a weak ammonia solution

The sodium chromate and weak ammonia solutions are the issues for disposal

[rv2go]

I just placed mine down on the curb. City came by and picked it up.

[Gdetrailer]

Craigslist.

Even if it is not working you can offer it on CL, someone may be looking for other parts on your fridge that are good.

Things like control boards, door hinges, door seals, compartment parts which often break and either are expensive or not available at all may have some value to someone.

I have seen "working" RV fridges offered on CL for as much as $500, someone is bound to be dumb enough to pay for a used "working" RV fridge.. Lots of die hard RV fridge fans on this forum would be glad to find a used working pull (just don't "advertise" it on this forum which would be against the rules)..

Barring CL and if all else fails, call your local garbage hauler and ask if they take RV fridges, some may for an additional small fee.

[GordonThree]

Call your utility provider, mine offers $50 for full size fridge and $25 for smaller units including air conditioning and dehumidifiers

[ScottG]

Look for appliance recyclers in your area.
We have one that will take RV units.

[naturist]

The only hazardous chemical would be ammonia, and my guess is that if it is true Lowes won't take it, it is only because they don't know what to do with an ammonia absorption refrigeration unit. Ammonia is not an environmental hazard, unlike the Freon 134 used in a residential unit.

Somewhere within an hour of your house there is sure to be an RV dealer. Ask them what to do with that refrigerator. They surely have to dispose of them from time to time.

[DrewE]

Is it functional? Particularly if so, Craig's List would be my suggestion.

I would enquire of Lowes directly. Ammonia is not especially harmful to the environment, compared to many other chemicals, and occurs and breaks down naturally.