Disposal of Refrigerators and Freezers
General Information
Refrigerators, freezers, and other appliances such as washers, dryers and water fountains when no longer needed are collectively called "white goods". White goods may contain hazardous components such as PCB capacitors, sulfur dioxide, ammonia and freons.
Removal of unneeded white goods is coordinated through the Department of Facilities Services. To request moving assistance, complete a work order form and moving form and forward them to the Facility Services Work Order Center. Moves will be scheduled by the Grounds Supervisor, Ext. 6272. Unneeded white goods will be taken from campus to the University Services Building where they are stored until a sufficient number have been collected to be sent via truck to a salvage yard/refrigeration recovery location. This company then recovers the Freon and disposes of the equipment appropriately.
Auxiliary units would need to pay any costs associated with the disposal of any of their equipment. Non-auxiliary units will not be charged for this service.
Hazmat Incident in Response to Old Refrigerator Leak
On Friday, July 14, 2000, an old refrigerator on campus began leaking sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas when an employee accidentally damaged the freezer coil while defrosting the unit.
The University Police contacted the Milwaukee Fire Department for assistance. Upon gathering additional information regarding the situation, the Milwaukee Fire Department decided the incident was better suited for the Hazardous Materials (Hazmat) Response team. As a precautionary measure the building was evacuated.
Once all the occupants had been safely evacuated, the Milwaukee Fire Department's Hazardous Material Response Team removed the refrigerator from the building.
In order to prevent a recurrence of this problem, and upon the recommendation of the Milwaukee Health Department, all Building Chairs were asked to conduct an inspection of their buildings to determine if any pre-1960's refrigerators were present so they could be safely removed and disposed of properly.
How Can I Identify One of These Old Refrigerators?
There are several key features that may help to quickly identify whether a refrigerator may have sulfur dioxide or ammonia refrigerant:
- Evaporator coils are mounted on top of refrigerator (a museum piece!)
- Refrigerator has mechanical door latch (no magnetic closers).
- Door seal is black rubber (no foam or magnetic weather stripping on door).
- Refrigerator has cork or mineral wool insulation (no foam or fiberglass insulation).
- Refrigerator is very heavy.
- Sheet metal is very thick, shape is very rounded.
- Brand names may include: Admiral, Coldspot, Frigidaire, General Electric, Gibson, Hotpoint, Kelvinator, Philco and Norge, among others
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For additional information, please contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883.
October 2, 2007 by SAK