HC Deb 21 November 2001 vol 375 c324W
Mr. Blizzard

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what arrangements she has made for the disposal of unwanted fridges and freezers from 1 January 2002 under European Directive 2037/2000. [15595]

Mr. Meacher

EC Regulation No. 2037/2000 on Ozone Depleting Substances will require "controlled substances" (including CFCs) in coolants and in insulating foam to be removed before recycling or reclamation of refrigeration units. Although the UK does not currently have facilities capable of extracting ozone depleting substances, including CFCs, from insulation foam, it is anticipated that some plant may come on-line as early as spring 2002. My Department is finalising measures to manage waste refrigeration equipment in the interim. Advice on storage of waste refrigeration equipment will issue shortly. We are currently considering funding options for local authorities.