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The refrigerator in our kitchen, the freezer in the basement, the air conditioner that keeps us cool in the summer: these appliances are part of our everyday lives. But when they reach the end of their useful life, their journey is only beginning.
Our new video invites you to follow that journey and discover the extensive network of partners that makes responsible cooling appliance recycling possible throughout Québec.
Bringing an appliance to an official drop-off point, having it taken back by a retailer when purchasing a new one, or scheduling a doorstep pickup: there are several ways to make the right choice.
That first step sets an entire network in motion. GoRecycle’s transporters collect the appliances and take them to a recycling partner, where they are sorted. Some can be given a second life through reuse, while the others are recycled using rigorous processes.
Cooling appliances contain materials that can be reused, as well as gases that require special treatment.
For end-of-life appliances, the process begins by removing the refrigerant gases from the cooling system. The compressor is removed, the oils are recovered, and the various components can then be dismantled manually.
Refrigerators, freezers and wine coolers are then sent through an airtight shredder to recover the gases trapped in the insulating foam inside their walls. These gases are then reused or destroyed.
Metals, glass and plastics are processed separately so they can be transformed and reused to manufacture new products. Through this recycling process, more than 95% of the materials contained in cooling appliances are recovered.
Behind every appliance collected is a citizen who makes the right choice, and an entire network that takes action. From official drop-off points to recycling partners, everyone has a role to play.
It is this collaboration that makes responsible recycling possible. Discover it in action in our new video.
GoRecycle is the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC that ensures the responsible recycling of cooling appliances in Quebec. We recycle refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, wine coolers, dehumidifiers and water coolers through nearly 400 drop-off points in Quebec, and over 100 banner pickup partners with the purchase of a new fridge. GoRecycle is a non-profit organization (NPO).
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