Source: Flickr Trippykel

From the Ministry for the Environment site: approx 600,000 units of whiteware are sold each year, over half are imported into New Zealand. MfE estimates that whiteware could represent between 48,000 and 56,000 tonnes of waste per year (out of the estimated 80,000 tonnes of e-waste). Some is sold by second hand stores, some is recovered, crushed and parts recycled and others go straight to landfill leaching hazardous substances such as lead, cadmium, brominated flame retardants and CFCs (in pre 1995 refrigerators). The MfE states that most whiteware is not ending up in landfill but being recycled (especially steel components) and that there are two Product Stewardship Schemes currently in operation by Fisher and Paykel and Electrolux.

More information on whiteware and a Product Stewardship Programme here.

Scoop article on the most energy efficient refrigerator from Electrolux here with top 10 tips on buying an energy efficient fridge.

Practical Action: When looking to buy a new piece of whiteware ensure it is the most energy efficient one you can buy (check for the Energy Star labelling – the most energy efficient fridges and freezers will have a blue energy star label) and check with the dealer you buy from that they can take your old one and that it will be recycled.