Air Conditioner Recycling: Get Rid of the Old Unit Safely and Legally

When your air conditioning unit stops working, how do you dispose of it properly? Tossing it into the garbage might seem like the most efficient option, but it’s definitely an environmental hazard and is also illegal. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates six million units are disposed of each year, and there are policies in place to ensure each of them is removed safely from circulation. To stay on the right side of federal, state and local laws, it’s important to make proper disposal arrangements for your broken air conditioner – which most often means recycling it.

Since federal fines alone can run up to $37,500 per day for venting dangerous refrigerants, there are also some hefty financial incentives to do the right thing when your A/C bites the dust.

Selling or Donating a Broken Unit

If you think there’s still some life left in your old air conditioner, it can be tempting to earn a bit of money back by selling it. If you can’t be absolutely sure your unit was manufactured after January 1st of 2010, however, it’s not worth the potential hassle. Older units are likely to contain a particularly dangerous chemical compound, which requires even more particular care.

Under the Clean Air Act, federal law stipulates that only units using newer, more environmentally-friendly R-401A refrigerants can be sold or donated legally. Any units manufactured before January 2010 are likely to contain R-22 refrigerant, which is a known ozone-depleting substance. As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency has mandated gradual removal of all these old systems from circulation. Even if you think your unit could be repaired, recycling is the best way of being sure you’re on the right side of the law if there’s any chance it contains R-22 coolant.

How It Works

Since both types of refrigerant used are hazardous to your health and that of the environment, it’s vital you don’t attempt removal yourself. When your inoperable unit is taken to a facility with EPA-approved refrigerant removal protocols in place, you don’t have to worry about fines, damage to the ozone layer or risking your physical well being. The refrigerant is removed in accordance with the Environmental Protection Agency standards, then the remaining metal and plastic is conventionally recycled.

At Jiffy Junk, we know it’s inconvenient to track down an appropriate recycling center, disconnect an old unit and haul it away yourself. This is why our trained professionals do all the work for you. We’ll come to your home or office to remove your AC unit, and make sure it’s taken care of in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. Professional removal gives you the peace of mind that comes with knowing you’ve made a socially conscious and legally compliant choice, while getting rid of all the hassle of managing disposal on your own.

Get rid of your old unit and reclaim valuable space in your home or place of business. Customers throughout the NYC and Long Island area can call today: 844-543-3966 — or click the Get Pricing button below.