Five million large household appliances recycled at Telford base

Online electrical retailer AO has recycled more than five million household appliances since opening its Telford facility five years ago.

With the aim of safely recycling large domestic appliances, AO disposes of fridges with an 80-tonne fridge crunching machine called Bertha. It also recycles washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers and dishwashers and safely collects harmful gases that may be released.

In addition, AO refurbishes appliances which are then sold on at trade and outlet shops. More than 200,000 appliances have been given a new lease of life.

Offering a collect and recycle service, a slot can be booked for AO to collect items that will then be responsibly recycled, reducing the number of fly-tipped appliances on the streets – something that AO says increased during lockdown.

Robert Sant, MD of AO Recycling, said: “While AO Recycling is best known for its innovative fridge recycling facilities, we also tackle a range of large appliances that arrive on site.

“Our research shows that there is a growing desire for a simple collection service for our unwanted appliances and we hope to continue recycling as many appliances as possible via our recycling services.”