Maegan-Leigh JacobsWhat do you do with your old appliances once they’ve reached the end of their useful life? Instead of letting them take up space or end up in a landfill, there’s a sustainable solution that benefits both you and the environment. Hirsch’s Homestores, a popular appliance and electronics retailer in South Africa, has partnered with Circular Energy, a non-profit organisation dedicated to responsible recycling.
Convenient and ethical disposal
Hirsch’s customers can now bring their old appliances to any of the store’s branches across the country. Designated drop-off areas are set up near the dispatch departments, making it easy to leave your old items for recycling when you pick up new ones. This initiative ensures that your outdated appliances are disposed of ethically and in an environmentally friendly way.
How it works
Once collected, these appliances are transported to Circular Energy’s recycling facility. Using cutting-edge technology, the various components of each appliance are separated and recovered. Metals, plastics, and other materials are recycled and transformed into raw materials, ready to be used again. This process not only reduces waste but also conserves valuable resources.
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Environmental benefits
Recycling old appliances has numerous environmental benefits:
Reduces landfill waste: By recycling, we prevent harmful substances from ending up in landfills.
Recovers valuable materials: Metals and other materials can be reused, reducing the need for new resources.
Minimises hazardous waste: Proper handling and processing of hazardous components ensure they don’t harm the environment.
Special handling for refrigerators
Refrigerators, for example, require special attention due to their components. The polyurethane insulation, often found in fridge casings, is safely removed and repurposed. This material is excellent for absorbing oil and can be used in alternative energy processes, such as cement kiln firing. Additionally, metals from the fridge casing are recycled into new steel products.
Old refrigerant compressors are also handled with care. Any remaining oil and refrigerant gas are safely extracted and sent to specialised recyclers. This meticulous process ensures that these potentially harmful substances do not pollute our environment.
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Customer convenience
For those purchasing new appliances, Hirsch’s offers a convenient service: when your new product is delivered, they will take your old appliance back for recycling. This ensures that your old items are disposed of responsibly without any extra hassle for you.
Encouraging responsible behaviour
This partnership between Hirsch’s and Circular Energy is more than just a recycling programme. It fosters community awareness and encourages responsible consumer behaviour. By making it easy to recycle old appliances, they help ensure a healthier, more sustainable environment for everyone.
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Feature image: Pexels
