Kitchen refit? How to clear old catering equipment
A kitchen refit produces a mix of refrigeration, cooking and washing equipment, all with different rules. Here’s how to plan the clear-out in one go.
· 2 min read · By the WEEE Want Your Waste team
The short version
- Commercial fridges and freezers are hazardous waste; most other catering equipment is non-hazardous WEEE.
- Plan the collection for the day the old kitchen comes out, so nothing sits in a yard or car park.
- One collector who can take everything saves trips and keeps the paperwork in one place.
What typically comes out
- Refrigeration: upright fridges, under-counter units, bottle coolers, blast chillers and ice machines
- Cooking: combination ovens, ranges, grills, fryers and microwaves
- Washing: glass washers and pass-through dishwashers
- Small appliances: mixers, toasters, hot cupboards and coffee machines
Different items, different rules
Refrigeration is hazardous because of the refrigerant gases and foam, so it moves on a hazardous waste consignment note. Most cooking and washing equipment is non-hazardous electrical waste and needs a waste transfer note. A good collector handles both on one visit and gives you the right documents for each. Our guide to commercial fridge duty of care explains the refrigeration side in detail.
Refit clear-out checklist
- List every item coming out, with rough sizes.
- Have gas and water appliances disconnected and capped by qualified engineers.
- Empty fryers of oil and drain dishwashers and glass washers.
- Clean and empty fridges, and switch them off the day before.
- Book the collection to match the fitters’ programme, with access to a back door or loading bay.
See our catering equipment disposal service. For large refits across several sites, our trade and bulk load service is quoted by phone on 01296 506089.
Common questions
Do you take fryers with oil still in them?
No. Please drain and dispose of the oil separately before collection.
Can you collect from several restaurants in one go?
Yes. Call us for a trade quote and we’ll plan collections across your sites.
