Like the title says, I have an old (probably non functioning) window air conditioner that’s just taking up space in my apartment. Anybody know where I can go/who I can call to get rid of it?
Comments
dreww4546 t1_j8kw52f wrote
My apt in the fan has an alley behind it that scavengers hit every Saturday. They scoop up anything of any remote value. Perhaps you can sit it near the trash and it will get scavenged
GrandmaPoses t1_j8l3ne1 wrote
Don’t know why you got downvoted, it’s absolutely true. And they’ll transport it to the scrapyard for you.
Freseper t1_j8mm3v2 wrote
Probably downvoted because scavengers will release the ozone-depleting r22 prior to scrapping. Legitimate places that properly recover the refrigerant charge a fee to take the appliance.
bentboybbz t1_j8vi6rj wrote
I would have figured all of the old r22 units and ones that use the other ozone depleting gases have failed and been a thing of the past by now. Unfortunately alot of scrappers do release the refrigerants into the atmosphere...I used to wonder why on earth a manufacturer would use a highly flammable refrigerant in some newer products...now I think they are trying to blow up people that cut the line and release it in the air...lol just one spark and it would be a pretty healthy and hot fireball or flame thrower if it's still venting...if I remember correctly r410 might be something like ISO butane? I'm probably not remember right...
bentboybbz t1_j8vivlo wrote
I was wrong...it's r600a that is isobutane...it's a replacement for r12 and r134 and favored because of it's low global warming potential according to some website after 2 minutes of googling. Sounds correct to me though. Edit. I just read that it is the preferred choice for domestic refrigerators worldwide...It's used by most major OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturers) in domestic refrigeration applications. Am I the only one worried about having a relatively large amount of isobutane in my kitchen? I know if it leaks enough it would only take one spark from something in most kitchens...light switches, relays, or the pilot light if you have a gas stove...heck alot of older homes I've worked on in Richmond had gas water heaters in the kitchen itself or in a pantry...
Freseper t1_j8wvos7 wrote
R22 was installed in new systems as late as 2010. If the life of a unit on average is 15 years, with some lasting longer, it’s safe to assume there are still plenty out there kicking. Even R-410A, the most common today, it isn’t great for the ozone. It is banned effective Jan 1 2025.
RVA_Lakeside t1_j8n6ree wrote
Most likely downvoted because that seems to be a regular thing in the fan. If you have no use for something and are too lazy to dispose of it properly, just put in the alley/out on the sidewalk and hope someone else takes care of your problem for you.
Hiltson87 t1_j8p3u2s wrote
I mean the city does bulk pick up every two weeks and tells you flat out you can leave bulky items out for that specifically. Doesn't include appliances, auto parts, or construction material though.
Character-Plantain-2 t1_j8o3ue8 wrote
I'd put it on Facebook Marketplace for free as scrap. Someone will take it
dustinator t1_j8mcute wrote
You’re supposed to just throw them in the river I think
KDRadio1 t1_j91t17j wrote
That’s what it said in my Welcome to Richmond packet that they handed to me the day I arrived.
…or maybe they said scooters….
opienandm t1_j8l9otz wrote
Who owns the unit?
Beyond the, “That’s what she said!”…. If you don’t own the A/C unit, you could be in for a big bill.
JWyattMcC OP t1_j8laney wrote
It’s mine
m0arpepper t1_j8ll1gs wrote
Would be interested in picking it up to tinker with.
forevermali_ t1_j8vl1u8 wrote
My boyfriend is a manager at Best Buy, they have a recycle bin specifically for old/ broken electronics. Just tell an associate when you get there :)
bkemp1984Part2 t1_j8mt835 wrote
I wonder if Rage RVA would take it, if they made sure to get and dispose of the refrigerant properly.
RulerOfTheRest t1_j8ky5kr wrote
You can take it to the East Richmond Road Public Use Area to safely dispose of it. They charge $15 to help cover the cost of recovering the refrigerant so that it isn't just vented into the atmosphere where it can deplete the ozone or contribute to global warming. The counties offer similar service as well.