Why you should never throw your freezer in the trash

Do you have an old freezer that no longer works? If repairing your upright or chest freezer isn’t an option and you absolutely need to get rid of it, did you know that putting it in the trash harms the environment?

Freezers contain refrigerant gases, which, if not handled properly, release greenhouse gases (GHGs) into the atmosphere and contribute to climate change.

Fortunately, there are several eco-friendly solutions available in Quebec to ensure free freezer pickup and old freezer recycling through GoRecycle, the only organization recognized by RECYC-QUÉBEC for recycling household cooling appliances.

1. Why old freezer recycling is essential for the planet

The environmental dangers of throwing a freezer in the trash

A discarded freezer may seem harmless, but it actually poses a significant environmental risk. These appliances contain refrigerant gases that can generate over a ton of greenhouse gases (GHGs) if not properly handled.

Failing to recycle your freezer responsibly directly contributes to air pollution and increased CO₂emissions. Each appliance collected and recycled by GoRecycle prevents the release of harmful substances into the environment, while also recovering and reusing the valuable materials it contains.

What’s inside an old freezer?

To better understand its environmental impact, here’s what you’ll typically find inside an old freezer:

Old freezer recycling not only helps reduce GHGs, but also allows for the recovery of reusable materials, contributing to a more sustainable circular economy in Quebec.

👉 To learn more:

• Why recycle your old cooling appliance?
• Recycling your fridge responsibly, a concrete gesture to save the planet: discover Project Drawdown

2. How to recycle a freezer in Quebec

The 8-step recycling process for old freezers

How do you recycle an old refrigerator or freezer? Old freezer recycling, carried out by our partner PureSphera, follows a 8-step process:

Here is a video from our recycling partner explaining the recycling process followed:

👉 To learn more:

• How are refrigerators recycled?

3. How to recycle a freezer in Quebec?

Convinced of the benefits of responsible old freezer recycling?

Here are free options available in Quebec to help ensure freezer disposal in an environmentally responsible (and cost-free) way:

5 ways to ensure eco-friendly freezer disposal

1. Free appliance pickup in Montreal and Laval (GoRecycle’s doorstep pickup service for cooling appliances)
2. GoRecycle drop-off points near you (ecocentres and sorting centres)
3. Home freezer removal service offered by participating municipalities
4. Removal service with purchase of a new freezer by participating retailers
5. Pop-up municipal collection events for participating cities

💡Pro tip: Use our free freezer recycling locator tool near you to find the best solution that fits your needs.

👉 To learn more:

• How to get ride of an old freezer
• Who can collect your old freezer?

In conclusion

With the 5 free solutions offered by GoRecycle in Quebec to ensure the responsible collection and recycling of your old, out-of-service freezer, it’s now easier than ever to make the right choice for the environment!

Join the movement: one small action, big benefits for the planet!

👉 Find a free old freezer recycling solution near you

💡 Is your old freezer still working? Consider these options before getting rid of it:

• Reuse your freezer
• Repair your freezer