How to Get Free Air Conditioner Disposal – In the United States, air conditioners are one of the most frequently used household appliances. There are Government free AC for low income families available in the US. Air conditioners, like all other appliances, have a limited lifespan, and at the end of their cycle, they are simply too inefficient and harmful to the environment to continue operating.
This is especially true for models manufactured prior to 2000 that did not meet the current firm manufacturing and production standards. This prompted a much more limited working life when compared with the air conditioners of the current day, requiring early disposals. Each year, nearly one million dehumidifiers, six million window air conditioners, and nine million refrigerators and freezers are disposed of.
You can however apply a few careful measures to expand the life expectancy of your air conditioner yet at some point, disposal of an AC will be unavoidable. Go through the article to know more about free air conditioner disposal.
Highlights of this Post
Why is it necessary to Dispose of an Old Air Conditioner?
Air conditioners typically wear out slowly until they suddenly stop working. In case your A/C is done with functioning, you need to dispose it as quickly as possible:
- Toward the end of an air conditioner’s lifespan, energy costs typically rise.
- If you wait too long to replace it, the cost of repairs could skyrocket.
- Mold and germs can be a health risk from old window and wall units.
- Your home’s value could rise if you install central air, and if you buy a new air conditioner, you’ll need a way to dispose of the old one.
Additionally, you might be eligible to receive a Free Air Conditioner with Furnace through various organizations to keep your home warm during the tremendous cold in the US.
Why is it important to be careful when disposing of Air Conditioners?
You might be wondering why it is against the law to throw away an old air conditioner and what makes the refrigerant particularly hazardous!
This has a fairly straightforward response. Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), and chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) are all terms you’ve probably heard. Greenhouse gases are the names given to these substances that basically make up the refrigerants in air conditioners.
All of these gases, with the exception of HFC, contribute to the depletion of the ozone layer, making them particularly harmful to the environment. Throwing away your air conditioner into a landfill would bring about leakage of these refrigerants and lead to a quicker rate of depletion of the ozone layer and ultimately cause increased global warming. Precisely these greenhouse gases affect the environment a lot.
For instance, one expert claims that releasing one air conditioner’s refrigerant is equivalent to driving your car 3,000 miles across the United States!
There is still a considerable amount of work to be done to mitigate the negative effects of refrigerants. Even though R-410A, a class of refrigerants, does not harm the ozone layer, it still contributes to the greenhouse effect in modern air conditioners. R-22, a much more potent type of refrigerant, was used in older models. R-22 contains harmful chemicals for the ozone layer and so is being gradually phased out in favor of R-410A.
Methods of Free Air Conditioner Disposal
Whether you’re disposing of a mini-split or a window air conditioner, the disposal procedures are generally the same. They additionally depend on your area. However, qualified professionals will dispose of your air conditioner wherever you choose. Do not attempt to complete the same task at home, as doing so could result in serious injuries and harm to the environment. Here are a few of the options for disposal of your air conditioner for free:
Check with the government in your area
There are curbside pickup programs for air conditioners and other appliances in some municipalities. Private parties are used as subcontractors by the municipalities for disposal. The units may be exported to developing nations for reuse, or the chain may continue to facilities that responsibly dispose of refrigerants.
These programs in many counties and cities offer free or cheap disposal of air conditioners. Typically, you can learn more about these programs by visiting the website of your local government or calling your department of sanitation
Get in touch with your electric company
As part of their energy efficiency programs, some electric companies provide free or discounted disposal options for air conditioners. Typically, you can learn more about these programs by visiting the website of your electric company or calling their customer service line.
You can also ask the local utility company to see if they have a bounty or turn-in program for refrigerators, air conditioners, or other appliances. Customers who recycle their inefficient appliances typically receive a small stipend, rebate, or discount from utilities. These rebates can sometimes be beneficial for more recent, energy-efficient models that are part of the EPA’s EnergyStar program.
Choose a Retailer Exchange
Sometimes, distributors and retailers can help. If you go to a store to buy a new air conditioner, the store might give you the option of giving them your old one and getting a rebate, similar to a utility bill, to lower the price. The appliance’s proper disposal is then the responsibility of the retailer.
Search for a local recycling center
For free or for a small fee, some recycling centers will take old air conditioners. You can generally find a list of recycling centers in your locality via searching “free air conditioner recycling near me” online or by calling your nearby waste management organization. The Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) collaborates with businesses and organizations that commit to recycling appliances like air conditioners in an environmentally friendly manner.
Currently, the EPA’s RAD program includes 77 facilities in 32 states. In order to safely reclaim refrigerants, these places have skilled technicians and equipment.
Donating working old air conditioners
Donating working old air conditioners to the less fortunate is a great option. A few charitable associations acknowledge old air conditioners and renovate them for donations to individuals out of luck. Heat-related issues are particularly prevalent in the elderly.
Portable air conditioners may also be required by shelters for the homeless. A list of charities that accept air conditioners can typically be found by searching online or calling your local United Way. You might be eligible for tax deductions as well as the mental fulfillment that comes from supporting a worthy cause.
Try to refurbish your old air conditioner
If you don’t want to throw out your old air conditioner, you can still make it look like new. You could have your air conditioner refurbished by a licensed contractor. Most of the time, old air conditioners can cause some problems that are common, so you might want to get a new one.
That can be costly and cost up to a thousand dollars, so be careful.When replacing an old air conditioner, the refrigerant is typically topped off, any leaking piping is fixed, the condenser fans and fins are fixed, and the internal systems are thoroughly cleaned.
However, one thing to remember is that the ACs produced before 2010 can’t be refurbished as they use R-22 line of refrigerant that has been deliberately transitioned away from. Due to the incompatibility of the two systems, upgrading an older air conditioner to be compatible with R-410A is also not an option.
In case you can’t find a free option, you can pay an expert to discard the old air conditioner. However, this is typically the most costly choice.
Pittsburgh Free Air Conditioner Disposal
In Pittsburgh, there are a few options for disposal of a free air conditioner:
Pennsylvania Resource Council (PRC)’s Hard-to-Recycle
Try to recycle it. For $0.35 per pound, window air conditioners are accepted at the Pennsylvania Resource Council (PRC)’s Hard-to-Recycle collection events and monthly e-waste collection for Pittsburgh residents. At Construction Junction, you can also recycle your air conditioner for a fee of $10. Also, Saturday recycling collection events are being held in a variety of Pittsburgh neighborhoods by the City and ECS&R. The hours of the events are from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., but they may be extended depending on how much participation there is. To cut down on wait times and ensure the safety of customers, residents are required to schedule drop-off times.
Apart from that you can also try other methods. Get it taken away. You can hire a professional to remove your air conditioner if you prefer not to recycle, donate, or sell it. This service is offered by a lot of Pittsburgh businesses, and prices will vary depending on how big the item is and how far it needs to be moved. Curbside pickup service is available on a prepaid basis.
Donate or sell it. You can try selling the air conditioner online or giving it to a local charity if it is still in good working condition. Giving away a free air conditioner while recycling the unit is a great way to help the environment.
You can recycle or dispose of your air conditioner at some of these places in Pittsburgh that include Pennsylvania Resource Council (PRC), Hard-to-Recycle collection events, Monthly e-waste drop-off location,Construction Junction, Junk King and Local scrap yards.
Free Air Conditioner Disposal St Paul MN
In St. Paul, Minnesota, there are a few free locations to dispose of an old air conditioner.
St Paul Recycling Drop Off Center
Air conditioners are among the recyclable items accepted at this center. From 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., the center is open Monday to Saturday.
Repowered- Electronics Recycling
Air conditioners are among the types of electronics that can be recycled by this non-profit organization. The center is open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday to Saturday.
St. Paul Ychat Club Trash Collector
In St. Paul, this organization picks up garbage and recyclables from homes and businesses. Air conditioners are accepted for free of cost.
Places where you can recycle your old air conditioner for a fee
There are a few places where you can recycle your old air conditioner for a fee, in addition to these free options.
Air conditioners are among the electronics that can be recycled for free at Best Buy. Your air conditioner can be dropped off at any Best Buy location.
Arca Recycling is a local business that recycles a wide range of products, including air conditioners. They provide a pick-up service in addition to charging a fee for recycling air conditioners.
Old appliances are refurbished by The Retrofit Companies. They will either recycle or refurbish air conditioners for resale at no cost.
Free Air Conditioner Disposal in Madison WI
In Madison, WI, there are a few ways to dispose of an air conditioner for free of charge.
- Contact the recycling center in your area. Free acceptance of old air conditioners is common at recycling centers. Typically, they will get rid of the refrigerant and recycle the unit.
- Check with the scrap metal dealer in your area. Additionally, some dealers in scrap metal will take old air conditioners for free. The unit’s metal parts are typically recycled.
- Find a recycling event for air conditioners in your area. Throughout the year, some cities and towns hold events to recycle air conditioners. Most of the time, these events are free and will recycle old air conditioners.
City of Madison Household Hazardous Waste Facility
If you are looking to dispose of your old air condition then you can visit this location and get help with it. Old air conditioners can be taken here for free. 1110 East Gilbert Drive is where you will find them.
Fitchburg Best Option Recycling Center
Old air conditioners can be taken here for free. 4802 Dutch Mill Road is their location.
Alter Recycling
The disposal of an air conditioner is free with this business. They are situated at 4400 Sycamore Avenue.
Wisconsin AC Recycling
At each of their three Madison locations, Wisconsin AC Recycling provides free air conditioner recycling, the locations are 1110 East Gilbert Drive, 940 E Broadway Road and 2307 May Street.
Large Item Collection Program
Schedule a free pickup of your old air conditioner through the City of Madison’s Large Item Collection program. You can call 608-266-4999 to plan a pickup.
When disposing of an air conditioner, proper safety measures must be followed. Before getting rid of an air conditioner, it is critical to have the refrigerant removed by a trained professional because it is a harmful greenhouse gas.
Free Air Conditioner Disposal St Paul MN Wheelock Parkway
In St. Paul, Minnesota, near Wheelock Parkway, there are a few free disposal options available for air conditioners.
City of St. Paul
Collection of bulky waste at the curb: For a fee, the City of St. Paul collects bulky waste at the curb. Since air conditioners are regarded as bulky waste, you can arrange for a pickup of your old unit. Each item of bulky waste costs $25 to collect.
St. Paul Transfer Station
At a recycling center, drop it off: Additionally, there are a number of recycling centers in the City of St. Paul where you can drop off your old air conditioner for free. The that can be found at 2875 Ford Parkway, is the recycling center that is the closest to Wheelock Parkway.
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
Utilizing Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore to recycle: Old air conditioners are accepted for free at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. The proceeds from the sale of the air conditioner will be used to support Habitat for Humanity’s work in the community, and the components and refrigerant will be recycled. The ReStore is open from Monday to Saturday at 10 a.m.-6 p.m and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m on Sunday. The ReStore is located at: St. Paul, Minnesota, 55114, Habitat for Humanity ReStore, 2100 Wheelock Parkway.
Steps to free disposal of your old air conditioner in St. Paul, MN
The steps to free disposal of your old air conditioner in St. Paul, MN are as follows:
- Select a disposal option.
- Plan a bulky waste pickup or carry your air conditioner to a recycling center.
- If there is a fee, pay it.
- Drop off your old air conditioner.
- Kindly note that a few of these choices may not be accessible around the same time. It’s best to call ahead to make sure it’s available.
You can find the Salvation Army Free Air Conditioners, It is one of the non-profit organizations that offers various types of help to the low income individuals or families.
Free Air Conditioner Disposal Ramsey County
In Ramsey County, Minnesota, there are a few free options for disposal of an air conditioner.
- Go to a recycling center with it. There are a few recycling centers in Ramsey District that acknowledge air conditioners for free of cost. The Ramsey County website contains a list of recycling centers.
- Request that the installer of your new air conditioner recycle your old unit. When you buy a new air conditioner, many installers will recycle your old one for free.
- Make contact with the waste removal company in your area. As part of their regular service, some waste haulers provide free recycling for air conditioners. To find out if your waste hauler provides this service, you can inquire with them.
- Plan to collect bulk garbage. For a fee, bulk trash can be collected in Ramsey County. Call 651-487-8546 or schedule a bulk trash collection online.
You can also pay to have your air conditioner recycled if none of these options apply to you. The Ramsey County website contains a list of several businesses that provide recycling services for air conditioners.
Ramsey County recycling facilities accept air conditioners for free
The following Ramsey County recycling facilities accept air conditioners for free:
Contact number – 612-517-9193: tel:612-517-9193 and the address is 2500 County Road C West Roseville, Minnesota, 55113.
Dial at 651-771-0336: tel:651-771-0336 and the location is 760 Payne Ave. St. Paul, Minnesota, 55130.
Call them at 952-930-9000: tel:952-930-9000 and 7301 Ohms Lane Suite 320 Edina, Minnesota, 55439 is their location.
You can reach out to them by calling at 651-454-9215: tel: 651-454-9215 and at 10619 Briggs Drive you’ll find them.
Contact them at 651-457-3680: tel:651-457-3680 and 565 Barge Channel Rd. St. Paul, Minnesota, 55107 is where they can be found.
Phone number 651-731-3603: tel:651-731-3603 and it is located at 1918 Beam Ave. Maplewood, Minnesota, 55109.
Call 800-969-5166: tel:800-969-5166 to contact them and location is 10040 Davenport Street NE Blaine, Minnesota, 55449.
Dial at 800-795-1230: tel:800-795-1230, 2960 Yorkton Boulevard Little Canada, Minnesota, 55117 is the area where they can be located.
Conclusion
You might be looking for a free air conditioner disposal near me, there are a number of local places from where you can get help. When disposing of an air conditioner, there is a catch. It’s not as simple as putting it out for the garbage collector to pick up and dump in a landfill. If you know how an air conditioner works, you know that the refrigerant is important to the process. This is the main reason why disposing of an air conditioner must be done within a strict set of government rules and regulations.
More or less, it is against the law to drop your air conditioner alongside your regular waste. That is the reason it is worth the effort to comprehend how to dispose of your air conditioner appropriately. I hope the article has provided you with all kinds of information related to free air conditioner disposal. Thanks for your time, have a great day ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Where can I dispose of an old air conditioner for free of cost?
There are a few free locations to dispose of your old air conditioner. Appliances that contain refrigerants can be collected for free by some municipalities, while others may charge a fee. You can also find out if your neighborhood retailer provides free pick-up and disposal services when you buy a new model.
What advantages does recycling an air conditioner bring?
Recycling an air conditioner has a number of advantages. First, it keeps harmful refrigerants out of the atmosphere that protects the environment. Second, reusing air conditioners assists with saving assets by decreasing the need to make new apparatuses. Thirdly, you could save money on disposal costs by recycling your air conditioners.
What if I don’t reside close to a spot that offers free disposal of AC?
You might be required to pay a fee if you live far from a location that provides free disposal. However, there are still ways to dispose of an AC for free. Some utilities, for instance, have bounty programs where you can get paid to pick up your old refrigerator or freezer. You can also inquire about recycling air conditioners at the scrap yard in your locality.
What do I require for the disposal of my old air conditioner for free?
Firstly, you will be required to get in touch with the facility or company that offers free air conditioner disposal in order to schedule a pick-up of your old AC that needs to be disposed of. Also, you’ll be asked to provide some primary information about your old air conditioner, like its model number, manufacturer, and serial number.