What Are Fridges Made Of?
Fridges are made of a range of materials, mainly including metal and plastic. The variety of materials serve specific functions to ensure efficient cooling, structural integrity, and insulation.
Here’s a breakdown of the main components and materials:
Materials Used In Fridges
Metals
Steel: The exterior shell of fridges is often made from galvanised steel or stainless steel, providing strength, durability, and corrosion resistance. Some internal parts, such as shelves and compartments, may also include steel for support.
Copper: The cooling system, including the evaporator coils and compressor, often uses copper tubing for its excellent heat conductivity.
Aluminium: Some fridges use aluminium for internal coils and structural components because of its lightweight and corrosion resistance.
Plastics
Polypropylene (PP) and Polystyrene (PS): These plastics are used for the interior lining, door compartments, drawers, and shelves due to their durability, impact resistance, and ease of cleaning.
Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS): This plastic is often used for fridge door handles, shelves, and other high-contact areas. It’s strong, durable, and resistant to wear.
Insulating Foam
Polyurethane Foam: The space between the outer metal shell and inner plastic liner is typically filled with polyurethane foam. This foam provides excellent insulation to keep the interior cold and energy efficient by reducing heat transfer.
Other than these materials, glass is often used for shelves, along with rubber and silicone seals for closures. In terms of electronic components, circuit boards and compressors are used for control and cooling systems.
Are Refrigerator Materials Recyclable?
Yes, refrigerator materials are recyclable. The plastic, for example, may be used to manufacturer products such as pots and bins. Whilst metal can be recycled for new appliances and machinery.
At Collect and Recycle, fridges can be recycled with the help of specialist businesses. As this equipment contains hazardous components, they must be disposed of safely and securely. If you are a business looking for help disposing of your fridge waste sustainably, we can provide collections nationwide. Get in touch with our team today to find out more and book a collection to suit your requirements.
