The SDK is a partner of Ecotrel asbl that takes the prescribed obligations for manufactures/importers and distributors. Both parties shall ensure that consumers are informed about the environmental and energy-saving features of the cooling units, as well as the collection systems available to them, and the subsequent environmentally compatible processing. A direct cooperation between the SDK with the retailers takes place.
Why does refrigerators need special treatments?
Used refrigerators contain a variety of dangerous substances:
- The refrigerating substance CFC is also an ozone harming substance
- CFC’s can also be found in isolation foam in rather large quantities
- CFC-free appliances contain ammoniac or pentane, substances harmful to the environment
As well, a refrigerator is made with valuable raw materials as such as metals and plastics, which should be recycled.
Refrigerators are collected at the collection sites and then safely stored in accordance with the very strict RAL criteria to avoid damage to the refrigerating system and thus leaking of the refrigerating substance during storage and transport. Refrigerators are transported exclusively to the Logistic Center in Colmar-Berg.
With the two-level system of the SEG Umwelt-Service GmbH all dangerous substances are eliminated and valuable substances are recycled in Mettlach (Germany).