ACR Journal

CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai CMYK / .ai acrjournal.uk 39 RECYCLING of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in the cabinet insulation foam. Historically, this type of treatment has never been utilised in the commercial fridge recycling processes. A fully compliant air abatement system must be in place to treat the VOCs generated from the recycling process and reduce emissions that are harmful to the environment. Given that the panels are hazardous according to their potential flammability, the system is fully sealed and ATEX rated. Our foam compactor is fitted with a bespoke extraction system, which puts the foam through an automatic three stage compacting process. The machinery is connected to an abatement system manufactured especially for our operation which compresses material in a continuous process. This captures blowing agents, fumes, and dust, and ensures air emissions limits (AELs) are reached. Regular monitoring of emissions from this process continues to confirm that BAT has been applied, in advance of the 2022 implementation date. Once this process is complete, the insulation granulated foam is utilised as WDF (Waste Derived Fuel) by manufacturers in various industries. All component parts of the fridge cabinets, including the plastics, glass, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, and insulation foam are recovered for reuse, for raw materials to ensure that no parts go to waste. Refrigerant and oil recovery Reducing the emissions of global warming gases is a key area of F-Gas regulations. These have been in place in a number of forms since 2008, outlining the legal requirements in relation to working with fluoridated greenhouse gases. UK legislation has now been updated under The Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (Amendment) (EU Exit) Regulations which came into force in May 2021. We use a vacuum suction system which removes and captures refrigerants and oils from the waste electrical and electronic equipment, containing VFCs and VHCs (volatile fluorinated and volatile halogenated compounds). Refrigerants are separated from the oils and the oils are degassed. The liquefied gas is stored in pressurised vessels for further treatment, then sent for reuse or incineration. Traceability Completed consignment notes must be kept for at least three years, as advised by the Environment Agency. We utilise computerised asset management software, which assigns a unique identifier to each unit received so that it can be tracked through the treatment process. We also continually review how materials flow through our site, to ensure the process is as efficient as possible and to maximise payloads of materials leaving site, to reduce vehicle movements. Our Recycling Management System is tracked using our bespoke asset management system from receipt to destruction and is reported back to each client with all waste documentation including access to an online portal. Hazardous waste consignment notes, and waste transfer notes are available online 24/7. Expert management Project management is a vital element in the lifecycle of commercial fridges, to ensure assets are received and installed on time, from small rollouts, to large estate growth programmes. DCS liaises with cabinet manufacturers and shipping agents (if applicable) to ensure asset availability and coordinate installation labour and site construction teams. Total ownership of process is offered, providing one point of contact for all aspects of the process projects, from customer liaison and site access surveys, to practical completion and handover of a snag free installation. At times, the removal of existing cabinets goes hand in hand with large development programmes. Collecting, storing and/or end of life recycling can all be managed, according to customer requirements. Historically, when delivering new cabinets to supermarkets and independent retailers, there would be additional charges to collect redundant cabinets and have them delivered to a recycling facility. As DCS uses its own waste facility to recycle cabinets, this means no additional haulage is required, helping to reduce costs and carbon footprint. Balancing quality with efficiency It’s vital that we act now to reduce emissions of air pollutants and waste, in order to combat climate change and make the best use of valuable resources. Reducing the impact of refrigeration systems on the environment will help to achieve sustainable goals. We are focused on helping supermarkets and independent retailers to be more resource-efficient and realise costs savings, whilst meeting the strict rules set out by hazardous waste regulations. To do so successfully, we must draw on the best available technologies and take a pioneering, full circle approach. www.dcsint.co.uk Warehouse operations Part of the DCS recycling process for the insulation foam