To prevent the release of CFCs from discarded appliances, CFCs must be removed from the appliances before they are crushed, baled or certified. Release of CFCs into the air can result in fines. Appliances that contain CFC or HCFC refrigerant gases include refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, water coolers, heat pumps and dehumidifiers. CFCs are also found in wall panel insulating foam in freezers and refrigerators. PCBs PCBs are suspected carcinogens that do not break down.
Some appliances contain electrical parts such as capacitors that have PCBs.
Some shredder operators refused to accept appliances, while others required removal of PCB-containing capacitors from appliances before they would accept them. Appliances or other items that may contain capacitors include refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, microwave ovens, televisions, fluorescent light ballasts, heating and cooling equipment and electronic equipment. Shredding the scrap products containing any PCB capacitors and fluorescent light ballasts could produce PCB contaminated waste by-products. Running capacitors are often identified by their rectangular metal casings. Capacitors containing PCBs must be removed and disposed of properly prior to recycling.