It's a national issue affecting the processing and disposal of fridges and freezers. There is currently a backlog that councils and waste management partners across the country are currently trying to work through.
Due to a national issue affecting the disposal of fridges and freezers (including fridge freezers), we have temporarily suspended the acceptance of these appliances at the Household Waste Recycling Centre.
We understand this will be frustrating for residents and apologise for the inconvenience. Residents are asked not to bring fridges or freezers to our recycling centre, or any of our neighbourhood recycling events, during this period and where possible, should store unwanted appliances safely at home until normal service resumes. If you are purchasing a replacement appliance, you may also wish to explore retailer take-back schemes.
We are working closely with our waste management partners to monitor the situation and restore the service as soon as possible, and we will provide further updates when more information becomes available.
Frequently asked questions
Why are the council not accepting fridges or freezers?
What is the national issue?
Fridges and freezers require specialist treatment because they contain refrigerant gases and insulating foams that must be removed and processed safely to prevent harmful emissions.
Unlike most household waste and recycling materials, fridges and freezers can only be processed at a small number of specialist treatment facilities in the UK, which are specifically designed and licensed to handle cooling appliances. This means there is limited capacity within the national network and, when disruptions occur, it can be difficult to divert items elsewhere.
The current issue is affecting councils and waste contractors across the country and has led to a backlog of fridges and freezers awaiting treatment. As a result, storage capacity has become constrained and some local authorities, including North Tyneside, have had to temporarily suspend accepting these items until additional processing capacity becomes available.
What do I do if I already had an appointment booked for collection?
If you already had an appointment booked, our team will be in touch with you directly to advise. We apologise for the inconvenience but we would ask that you please store the applicance safely at home until the service has resumed.
What do I do if I'm getting a new fridge or freezer?
Many retailers offer a take-back service when delivering a new appliance. Please check with your retailer before purchasing.
Can I still take any other waste and recycling materials to the tip?
Yes. The temporary suspension only applies to fridges and freezers. All other materials that we accept can still be disposed of as normal.
Can I leave my fridge or freezer outside?
No. Please do not leave appliances on pavements, roads, public land or next to bins, as this may be classed as fly-tipping.
How long will this last?
We don't currently have an exact timeframe. We are working closely with our waste management partners to restore the service as soon as possible and will post updates as we get them.