Whether you’re renovating a property or just upgrading your equipment, at some point you are likely to have to dispose of white goods. Any large electrical home appliances fall under this category, such as fridge freezers, washing machines, and tumble dryers. While skip hire is suitable for a lot of household waste, certain items cannot be discarded via this method. Due to the materials these items are constructed from, and their potential to pollute the environment, there are strict rules about how to handle white goods properly.
Can You Put a Fridge in a Skip? – What The Legislation Says
Some waste disposal laws vary from place to place, which means skip hire near your location is the best way to ensure you comply with your local council’s ordinances. When it comes to white goods, the rules are very clear. The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Regulations (WEEE) Directive became law across the UK in 2014, and prohibits the disposal of white goods in general landfill.
Failing to dispose of white goods safely can have numerous negative consequences. Soil and water table pollution from the hazardous substances contained in these items causes serious harm to plants and wildlife. These materials take many years to degrade, so this contamination and damage is sustained over an extended period. There are many legal and financial penalties for improperly discarding such waste, too, so it pays to adhere to the rules.
How Do I Dispose of My Old Washing Machine Properly?
WEEE Regulations cover most things with electrical wiring or batteries, from washing machines to electronic children’s toys. Due to the heavy metals and other chemicals used in the construction of these items, they must be handled properly. You can’t put your washing machine in a skip unless it is one from a specialised service catering specifically to white goods. For proper disposal of household appliances, you have several options:
1. Recycling
There are specialised electrical waste recycling centres you can access, across the UK. Here you can drop off your white goods to be safely handled and processed. At these sites the valuable materials used in their construction can be salvaged and repurposed, and any hazardous components safely managed. Make sure to check with the centre for any specific requirements they may have before you travel to drop off your appliance.
If travelling to a recycling centre isn’t convenient, many electrical waste management companies will travel to you and collect your old white goods to be recycled. Ensure the firm you choose is fully licensed and accredited to be certain they will handle your items responsibly and in compliance with the law.
2. Council Collection Services
When you purchase a new household appliance, most retailers now offer a take-back service. Collecting your old appliance when they deliver the new one, these schemes are a convenient and economical way to dispose of old household equipment responsibly.
3. Retailer Collection Schemes
As the name suggests, our 6 and 8-cubic-yard skips are usually used by builders on construction sites. They can hold large amounts of heavy materials such as rubble and soil, ideal for construction waste. The skips are ideal for commercial or residential renovation projects on a larger scale as waste can build up very quickly.
4. Upcycling
If you like getting crafty there are plenty of creative ways to repurpose old white goods. From turning a fridge freezer into a bookcase to making a fire pit out of an old washing machine drum, the internet is awash with great ideas for turning household junk into treasures.
In the case of the disposal of white goods, it’s not just about the size of the skip you hire – proper electrical waste disposal protocols still need to be followed. The wide range of options available to you, from specialist recycling centres to home collection for recycling, means that safely removing these items is easy and convenient.
For further advice on the safe removal of a variety of waste items, or to discuss if skip hire is right for your needs, contact us today and we’ll be happy to help.
