The processed appliances are then shipped to Schnitzer Steel in Oakland, CA where appliance hulks are shredded, and the steel is magnetically separated and combined with steel from other products. These options include the CSWD drop off centers, as well as the CSWD Hazardous Waste Depot. At these sites, CSWD residents are able to drop off their appliances for recycling in a cost-efficient means. Many people don't realize that appliances are recyclable. This fee covers CFC-removal and processing.
Residents are responsible for transporting and downloading of the appliances.
To further these efforts, CSWD also sponsors an annual appliance collection day in which residents are permitted to drop off their appliances at no charge. Events such as these have assisted in the continuing success of CSWD appliance recycling program. In 1995 more than 200 appliances were collected through the special collection event. This event contributed to the more than 2,800 appliances collected for recycling through the CSWD in 1995.