What happens to the appliances after they are recycled?

After the appliances are recycled by Appliance Recycling Centers of America (ARCA), they are dismantled and separated into their component materials such as metal, plastic, and glass. These materials are then properly processed and sent to various recycling facilities for further treatment. The metal components are typically melted down and used to produce new metal products. Plastics are shredded and transformed into granules that can be used for creating new plastic items. The glass is crushed into cullet, which is then used in manufacturing new glass products. ARCA takes great care to ensure that all hazardous materials from the appliances, such as refrigerants and mercury switches, are safely removed and properly disposed of according to environmental regulations. Through their thorough recycling process, ARCA aims to maximize resource recovery and minimize waste, contributing towards a more sustainable future.