How Large Household Appliances Are Recycled

Our homes are full of appliances that sooner or later reach the end of their lifecycle and need to be replaced. Each year, El-Kretsen collects around 33,000 tonnes of discarded stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, and tumble dryers. Much of this material can be recycled.

The waste category “large household appliances” includes all types of major household machines except refrigerators and freezers, which require special handling during recycling. As product development has progressed, it has become more common for appliances to contain less metal. Today, they more often consist of a greater share of plastic, glass, and concrete weights.

From a manufacturing perspective, this shift is positive for the production process. However, it creates new challenges for recycling – as more and often less valuable materials are mixed. This places higher demands on recycling facilities. Together with its partners, El-Kretsen works continuously to develop and quality-assure the entire recycling chain.

The recycling process for Large Household Appliances

1. The waste arrives at the recycling facility, where it is weighed and registered.
2. All hazardous substances are removed, and the material is shredded.
3. The shredded material is sorted into metal, glass, and plastic, and then transported for recycling.