Recycling appliances leads to an enormous reduction in both energy consumption and emissions of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases. Going green prevents the release of PCBs, mercury and used oil into the environment while saving landfill space. Through FRIDGE & FREEZER PICKUP, an electricity conservation program funded and operated by the Ontario Power Authority (OPA), ARCA Canada is the province leader in processing household appliances to produce raw materials of steel, aluminum, copper and plastic, leading to a tremendous reduction in carbon footprints.

Each refrigerator contains about four kilograms of foam insulation. About 10 to 15 percent of the weight of the foam insulation is comprised of CFC-based blowing agents. The destruction of these CFCs prevents 1.8-2.8 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being emitted into the atmosphere. Old appliances are decommissioned in a process that results in more than 95 percent of the material from each unit being recycled. Chemicals such as Freon and compressor oil are safely disposed of, and all reusable metal and plastic are incorporated into a variety of manufactured products, including new appliances. Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Seemingly endless amounts are generated from scrapped cars, appliances, buildings and bridges. Because creating new steel from recycled materials consumes 60 percent less energy than creating new steel from virgin materials, nearly all of today's steel products are made with some recycled steel. Producing new aluminum from recycled aluminum scrap also uses significantly less energy. Plastics can be also reused and also make excellent fuels for manufacturing and energy generation facilities. Recyclables derive their value from the energy saved and environmental impacts avoided.