ODS regulations
The European Council Regulation No 2037/2000 on ODS (ozone depleting substances) came into effect on 1 October 2000. These ODS regulations require the removal of controlled ODS from refrigeration equipment before such appliances are dismantled or disposed. This applies to the ODS in the insulating foam in the equipment, as well as to the refrigerant in the cooling system.
This requirement came into force immediately for industrial and commercial appliances, placing the legal obligation to comply with the users of industrial fridges and, for an interim period, local authorities with a responsibility for the disposal of domestic fridges. Upon implementation of the forthcoming WEEE directive and a date for producer responsibility being set, the responsibility for fridges and freezers will transfer to obligated producer companies and away from local authorities.
It is estimated that the UK population disposes of over two million domestic fridges each year and this rate is growing from year to year. In addition there are an estimated further 500,000 commercial fridge/freezer units disposed of each year in the UK.
The recycling plant de-gasses and processes up to 7,000 fridges and freezers each week and can operate 24 hours each day. During the shredding process, residual CFC in the carcasses is safely extracted under carefully controlled conditions using carbon fibre agents and sophisticated cryogenic technology.
CFC destruction technology delivers fugitive emissions standards of <= 0.02%. The quality separation plant ensures that ferrous metal, copper, aluminium and mixed plastics are segregated to an extremely high standard. All resulting material is sold on for refinement and remanufacturing new products and recycling rates of 95% is achieved.
We can help
We provide a safe and easy way to de-manufacture fridges and freezers and have become one of the UK’s leading experts in this sector, handling over 300,000 units per year. Get a quote now.
Further information on ODS regulations
ODS regulations: DTI guidance (PDF 583KB)
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