Summer is
Coming: Things to Think About Before
Disposing of Your Old Air Conditioner
The beginning of summer always accompanies an
increase in the sales of new air conditioner units.
So what happens to the old unit that is no longer wanted?
You must consider that Massachusetts bans the disposal of white
goods (large electronic appliances) as well as items that contain
hazardous materials such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s), which are found
in air conditioners. When
CFC’s are released into the air, they deplete the ozone layer in the
atmosphere, reducing our protection from ultraviolet radiation.
Here are some options for managing your old A/C
equipment:
1.
Before disposing, see if the appliance can be repaired. It may be cheaper than purchasing a new one. Check the Yellow
Pages under Appliance Repair.
2.
You may want to check with your appliance manufacturer to see if
they have a take-back program that would include your appliance. Some appliance manufacturers are developing "design for
disassembly" appliances. These appliances are designed to be taken
apart for recycling.
3.
If the air conditioner is in working condition, see if it
can be donated. This will
save the cost of a hauling fee and you can obtain a tax deduction.
The
Salvation Army accepts working appliances. In
the Boston area, call 781-231-0803 for a pick-up. Outside the Boston area,
call 508-799-0520. When you call, you will speak to a dispatcher who
will tell if they accept that particular item (i.e. air conditioners) and
when they can pick it up. If you want to drop it off, find a thrift store
using their online thrift store locator: www.salvationarmy-usaeast.org/mas/help/thrift.htm#locator
Before dropping off, call the specific store and ask
if they will accept your item, because it can vary from store to
store.
Additional options for donation opportunities are listed in
the Massachusetts Business Guide to Reuse, which can be obtained by
contacting WasteCap.
4.
If the appliance is not in working condition, then you must
contact a recycling service. A complete listing of vendors accepting appliances with CFCs
can be found at http://www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/hazards/cfc.htm.
Be
sure to ask for certification that CFCs are removed
according to EPA protocol.
Tip Sources:
1.
http://www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/hazards/cfc.htm
2.
http://www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/steel/steel.htm#steeltips
3.
http://www.ianr.unl.edu/pubs/wastemgt/nf189.htm
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