Old AC Disposal India: Safe, Legal and Eco-Friendly Options
When your old air conditioner stops cooling or you’re ready to upgrade, the last thing you should do is dump it in your building’s garbage room or hand it over to a local scrap dealer without precautions.
Old ACs contain ozone-depleting refrigerants, heavy metals, and electronic waste. These must be handled with care. In fact, under India’s E-Waste Management Rules (amended 2022), air conditioners fall under Schedule I for controlled disposal.
1. Why You Shouldn’t Just Scrap or Dump Your Old AC
It contains harmful refrigerants like R22 or R410a
- Leaking refrigerants damage the ozone layer or contribute to global warming
- Some ACs use R32 (milder), but gas still needs professional recovery
It’s illegal to dispose of it in general waste
- Penalties apply if your AC ends up in landfills, mixed garbage, or unauthorized scrap
- Plastics, foams, coils, and PCBs must be handled by certified recyclers
Your unit still has recyclable material
- Copper coils, aluminum fins, PCB, and clean plastic can all be reused if separated safely
- This creates economic value without harming the environment
2. Step-by-Step: How to Dispose of Your Old AC the Right Way in India
Step 1: Arrange Safe AC Uninstallation
- Don’t uninstall it yourself or let a local handyman break it open
- Call a certified technician who can:
- Use gas recovery tools
- Ensure no leak into open air
- Unmount and transport it safely
Step 2: Decide Based on Condition
| AC Condition | Disposal Action |
|---|---|
| Still working | Use brand exchange or donate responsibly |
| Not cooling but intact | Send to certified recycler or take-back service |
| Broken or leaking | Only dispose through e-waste collection |
Step 3: Choose One of These Safe Disposal Channels
Brand Take-Back Programs
- Voltas, LG, Godrej, Blue Star, Daikin accept old units during new purchases
- Ask at the time of buying or check brand websites
- Brands may offer: Doorstep pickup, Safe disposal, E-waste certification (if requested)
Authorized E-Waste Recyclers
- Attero Recycling
- Namo e-Waste
- Ecoreco
- Hulladek (East India)
Provide formal receipt and handle gas safely. Pickup available in most metro cities
Municipal Drives or Society Collection Events
- Pollution control boards in Bengaluru, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune run e-waste drives
- RWAs and gated societies often tie up with recyclers in April-June and October
3. What Happens to Your AC After Responsible Disposal?
| Component | What Happens to It |
|---|---|
| Refrigerant Gas | Extracted and safely destroyed or reclaimed |
| Copper/Aluminum Coils | Recycled for use in new products |
| Plastic Panels | Reused or converted to fuel-grade waste |
| Circuit Boards (PCB) | Extracted for metal and disposed under strict norms |
| Foam Insulation | Processed to avoid chemical leakage |
4. What NOT to Do with an Old AC in India
- Don’t hand over to random scrap collectors who don’t handle gas properly
- Don’t let refrigerant leak during uninstall it’s toxic and harmful to air
- Don’t store it indefinitely gas will leak out slowly over time
- Never dump ACs in local garbage or open fields
5. How to Get Proof of Responsible AC Disposal
- Ask for a job sheet or pickup receipt from the technician or recycler
- For organizations or bulk disposal, request an e-waste disposal certificate
- Some platforms offer green points or credits when you use their app to book pickup
6. Responsible Disposal Checklist for Indian AC Owners
| Task | Done? |
|---|---|
| Called technician to safely uninstall unit | |
| Recovered refrigerant gas properly | |
| Selected brand, recycler, or e-waste service | |
| Received disposal receipt or confirmation |
If your AC is no longer usable, dispose of it the right way and contribute to a cleaner India.
