The common components found in all types of refrigerating equipment regardless of their construction type, are the mercury switch, the capacitor, and the door gasket.
| Component | Function | Location | Identification | Substance | Instructions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mercury switch | Sensor for lid closure on chest coolers | In the appliance cover, behind the control lights. | Drop of silvery moving liquid encapsulated in a sealed glass capsule, which might be protected by a case. | Mercury (Hg) | Mercury switches need to be removed for separate treatment. Make sure not to break the vial. Store separately to avoid shock. Keep it in a sealed recipient, in a cool place away from any heat sources or direct sunlight. |
| Capacitor | Capacitors are required to assist the startup of asynchronous single-phase motors | Capacitors may be present in all types of refrigerators and freezers and are located close to the motor | Capacitors are cilindrical in shape and have at least two electrical connections (tabs or wires sticking out) | When dealing with older appliances, Capacitors may contain PCB. PCB-free condensers with castor oil have been used in more modern appliances (since approx. 2000). | Capacitors need to be removed for separate treatment |
| Door Seal | The seal ensures airtight closing of the refrigerator door. | The seal runs around the perimeter of the door's inside face. | The seal is an elastic ribbon, usually white. | Door seals are usually impregnated with fungicides, i.e. treated with biocides. | The seals are barely suitable for recycling. The door seals can be frequently replaced, i.e. easy to remove. However, this is not always the case for all appliances and manufacturers. |
Insulation can consist of foam panels or vacuum insulation panels, which both require a different strategy.
