Why do retailers offer to collect old fridge/freezers when you buy a new one?

Innys

This makes no sense to me.

I understood that a new fridge/freezer should be left to stand for several hours after it has been transported before being switched on. That was to let the refrigerant settle.

Once that has happened, and the appliance siwtched on, it will take a further couple of hours before the freezer is at correct operating temperature.

Only then should you transfer your food from your old appliance to the new one.

So................why would Comet, for example, offer to take away your old appliance when they deliver the new one? The new one can't be used for a good six hours - what are you supposed to do with your food during that time, esepcially the frozen stuff?

Ionkontrol

Scrap = money.

Innys

Ionkontrol wrote: »

Scrap = money.

So, they couldn't give a t0$$ about the fact the customer may damage their new appliance or have their food defrosting on the kitchen floor?

I don't know why I'm surprised.

Jaynne

They have a legal obligation to recycle as much as possible (google WEEE) and in fact they have to recycle your appliance for free if they're supplying a new one though they seem to be able to charge for transport costs.

spadoosh

Chances are if your buying a f/f the one you had is broke therfore already defrosted. Or youve been planning on buying one so will have emptied the freezer.

The reason they do it is because they are supposed to be fairly difficult to disppose of and youcan sometimes pay to have one removed.

Good service if you want it, if you dont want it say 'no ill get rid of the old one.'

latecomer

I believe under the WEEE regulations they have certain obligations to recycle old stuff when supplying new items.

As for what to with food how about planning ahead - empty the freezer and just have a few essentials in the fridge.

System

Food wrapped in a good amount of newspaper or similar will keep frozen for a good 6 hours in the British climate. Especially if you keep it in a non heated area such as a garage or outhouse.

Mr_Ted

The reason why they offer to take the old appliance is for a very good reason, not money, not scrap value, not recycling, not transport costs, but to ensure the CFC's in the workings are disposed of properly!

You dont have to take the offer up, thats your choice, but then you have the responsibility to ensure it is disposed of responsibly!

If you cant think how to think ahead when you need a new appliance, well we should do something about the education system as it is failing!

rustyboy21

Most, if not all appliances now carry the weee badge.

Legislation now makes a company liable to dispose of old appliances for a consumer, if the consumer wishes for them to do so.

They have to offer to take them away and dispose of them sensibly. However, They can charge for this service and they will, due to them being charged by the refuse companies.

This also applies to most online retailers who sell electrical appliances. By law they have to show a Weee statement on their website. You have to send the old product back to them at your own expense though.

Further info here

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/business/topics/waste/32100.aspx