How to Recycle a AEG Domestic Refrigerator (2026)
A AEG domestic refrigerator cannot be discarded with regular household waste due to F-Gas regulations, which mandate that the refrigerant must first be safely removed by certified professionals. This guide explains how to recycle a AEG Domestic Refrigerator (2026) properly, ensuring compliance with environmental laws and reducing harmful emissions.
Modern AEG domestic refrigerators manufactured after 2018 typically use R600a (isobutane), which is charged at approximately 30-65 grams. The global warming potential of R600a is three times that of CO2, making its proper disposal crucial for mitigating climate change impacts. For older models manufactured before 2015, the refrigerant was usually R134a (HFC), which has a higher GWP and requires careful handling during recycling.
g a replacement, ask the retailer about old-for-new collection. UK retailers like Currys, John Lewis, and AO are obliged under WEEE to take an old unit when delivering a new one
- Local-authority bulky-waste collection: most UK councils, US municipalities, and EU local authorities run bulky-waste collection that includes white goods - check whether yours requires a booking and whether there is a fee
What it costs
Typical disposal cost for a AEG domestic refrigerator runs $30-80 collection + handling. Variation comes from:
- Whether it is a take-back-with-purchase (often free)
- Whether the local authority charges per collection (£0-£50 in UK, $20-$80 in US)
- Whether the unit needs special handling (very large commercial fridges or units with damaged cabinets cost more)
Material recovery
After refrigerant capture, a AEG domestic refrigerator is broken down into:
- Steel cabinet (60-80% by weight) - melted and reused
- Aluminium evaporator and condenser coils (5-12%)
- Copper tubing (2-5%) - high recovery value at LME spot prices
- ABS / polystyrene insulation foam - typically 5-15%, may contain blowing agents requiring controlled disposal
- Plastic interior parts - mixed-grade recycled where possible
A typical 200L domestic fridge contains roughly 40 kg of recoverable steel, 3 kg of aluminium, and 1.2 kg of copper.
Sources
- AEG sustainability page:
- EU F-Gas Regulation 517/2014
- UK F-Gas Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/310)
- US AIM Act 2020 (HFC phase-down)
- IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - GWP coefficients
- F-Gas certified handler required for refrigerant capture; landfill disposal banned under WEEE Directive (EU) and most US states
