Processing of discarded refrigerators in The Netherlands

It is shown that recycling of refrigerators should be based on an integral approach, aiming at maximum elimination of CFCs, optimal recovery of metals and low input of energy.

Abstract

Based on a case study, it is shown that the introduction of new technology does not always turn out well when, because of social pressure, policy makers take ad hoc decisions based on short-term interests. They do not take sufficient time to think about the matter extensively. This paper describes some aspects of scrapping domestic refrigerators. It shows that recycling of refrigerators should be based on an integral approach, aiming at maximum elimination of CFCs, optimal recovery of metals and low input of energy. Using this approach, the present Dutch emission of greenhouse gases can be reduced by 0.3–0.4%. The required technology is directly available and the costs are much lower than those of the more usual CO2-saving measures.