Free Pickup Held for Freon Appliances

During the month of April, the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC) hopes to collect at least 1,000 household appliances containing the refrigerant Freon from Allegheny County residents. The service aims to help the environment by preventing improper disposal of the appliances. PRC Regional Director Dave Mazza says participants can help their pocketbooks as well as the environment. "If the average homeowner were to call a licensed Freon removal company, which is what you're required to do to properly dispose of one of these items, it can cost anywhere from $40 to $60," says Mazza. "It really is a cost savings for consumers." Freon was banned from landfills by the Clean Air Act of 1990, after it was discovered that the refrigerant was dangerous to the ozone levels of the atmosphere. Breathing in large amounts of Freon can also cause asphyxiation. Mazza says 95% of the appliances will be recycled, including the parts containing Freon. Those interested in disposing of their appliances should call Appliance Warehouse toll-free at 1-888-463-7366 to schedule a free pickup.