Current regulations prohibit throwing electrical appliances in the trash. This applies to both large and small appliances, including refrigerators, washing machines, irons, blenders and other equipment of this kind. Disposing of them in violation of the regulations may result in a fine of up to PLN 5,000. However, these restrictions do not mean that getting rid of an old refrigerator has to be very difficult. There are several legal solutions you can use—here they are.
Buy new equipment and return the old one
Today, when you buy a new appliance, you can also return your old equipment to the seller at no additional cost. Stores selling household appliances and consumer electronics are required to collect used equipment from their customers free of charge. If you order a refrigerator with home delivery, prepare the old one so that you can hand it over to the delivery person.
Put the refrigerator out on collection day
Municipalities organize collections of bulky waste several times a year, so you can simply put the refrigerator outside your home, and the services will collect this type of waste at no additional cost. The downside of this solution is that collection takes place only on designated days of the year. Sometimes, however, you can call the municipality and arrange collection on an agreed date.
Take the appliance to an electronic waste collection point
If you want to get rid of the appliance quickly, you can arrange transport yourself and take it to an electronic waste collection point or a PSZOK, meaning a Selective Municipal Waste Collection Point. Some private companies may also collect it free of charge—addresses can be found online.
Find a new owner
If you no longer need the refrigerator and it is still a good refrigerator, you can find a new owner for it. You can use online classified-advertisement websites—if the appliance has no faults yet, you may be able to sell it for a symbolic amount. You can also give it away for free if you are in a hurry.