September 2003
English
Dometic AB
Recycling Manual Absorption Refrigerator
miniBar
miniCool
Introduction
Proper dismantling of the refrigerator is necessary at end-of-life, in order to allow a high proportion of
re-use or recycling of the material which is used in our products as well as to facilitate the safe
disposal of the remaining components that cannot be recycled.
This guide takes you through dismantling Dometic miniBar/miniCool refrigerators in a simple, step by
step process. By following these steps it will be easier to separate reusable materials and minimise
the time required for dismantling. This guide is a simplified description in principle since the
specifications of the individual models might vary.
For your safety
Protect children!
When refrigerators are stored before disposing, remove the refrigerator doors and leave the storage
racks in the refrigerator. This will prevent accidental locking in or suffocation.
Cooling media:
The cooling media consists of ammonia and water. A small amount of sodium chromate is added (less
than 2% of the coolant by weight) as a protection against corrosion. See the Information section for
more details. The absorber unit is under high pressure and must under no circumstances be opened.
If, someone however, comes into contact with the cooling media, take the following steps:
General advice:
Immediately remove all clothing contaminated by the cooling media.
In case of inhalation:
Remove to fresh air. Seek medical advice. Where casualty is unconscious, keep casualty on his side,
including while being transported.
In case of contact with eyes:
Flush the eyes with plenty of waters for at least 15 minutes with the eyelids open. Seek medical
advice.
If swallowed:
Drink plenty of water and expose to plenty of fresh air. Seek medical advice.
Guide
The dismantling process is described step by step by the illustrations and the. The attached table
describes the steps to be worked through. It also provides information on the composition of materials
and suitable tools to be used when dismantling.
Plastic materials: The exact type of plastic material is stated in the case of plastic components
weighing more than 50g. Pure and separated thermoplastic materials are reusable.
Polyurethane foam: If the word “Pentan” appears on the cabinet, the refrigeration units are
CFC/HCFC-free. Otherwise, the foam contains CFC/HCFC and should be shredded with a special
closed recycling equipment.
Metals: Ferric and non-ferric metals can be reused.
Absorber cooling unit: The absorption cooling unit (steel) contains the cooling media and may only
be emptied by an authorized recycling company whose facilities have been approved for the purpose.
See the Information section for more details.
Electrical and electronic components: Copper and other metals can be recycled at appropriate
recycling facilities.
Information
Further information on available recycling techniques and authorised disposal companies can be
obtained from the relevant environmental co-ordinators at the following addresses:
Germany: Dometic GmbH, In der Steinwiese 16, D-57074 Siegen Tel: +49 271 692 0
Sweden: Dometic AB, Vickerkullavägen 2, S-59182 Motala Tel: +46 141 238 000
Hungary: Dometic, Fémnyomó u.1., H-5101 Jászberény, Tel: +36 57 415999
Other countries: environment@dometic.com
Illustration 1
1. Remove the racks and the shelves.
2. Remove the door racks.
Illustration 2
3. Loosen and remove the thermo-sensor.
4. Unscrew the feet.
5. Remove the thermo-knob.
6. Unscrew and remove the evaporator cooling fins.
7. Remove the interior light.
8. Unscrew and remove the door.
1 2
6
8
3
5
7
4
Illustration 3
9. Unscrew and remove the cover.
Illustration 4
10. Disconnect all electrical wiring.
11. Remove all screws and take out the cooling unit. If necessary, use a jemmy
and break the unit out of the insulation.
9
11
10
Illustration 5
12. Bend the lid and remove it with the mineral wool.
Attention: Wear gloves – danger of injury from sharp edges.
13. Remove the heating element.
14. Remove the condensed water container.
15. The cooling unit should be emptied by an authorized recycling company.
See the Information section.
16. The cabinet should be scrapped. See the guide section.
Table
No. Component Tool Recyclable / Waste
1
Racks None Plastic1 or metal
2
Door rack None Plastic
1
3
Thermostat Flat-tip screwdriver Plastic1 and electrical wiring
4
Feet Phillips screwdriver Plastic
1
5
Thermo-knob Pliers Plastic
1
6
Evaporator fins Phillips screwdriver Aluminium
7
Interior light Flat-tip screwdriver Electrical waste
8
Door Phillips screwdriver Plastic1, metal and PU foam
2
9
Cover Phillips screwdriver Plastic
1
10
Electrical wiring Pointed pliers Electrical waste
11
Cooling unit Phillips screwdriver Metal
12
Boiler insulation Flat-tip screwdriver
Metal Mineral wool
13
Heating element Flat-tip screwdriver Electrical scrap
14
Condensed water
container
None Plastic
1
15
Cooling media Special equipment
Ammonium, sodium chromate, hydrogen
Hazardous to the environment; toxic waste
16
Cabinet Shredder Plastic1, metal and PU foam²
1
The exact type of plastic material is stated in the case of plastic components weighing more than 50g
2
Cabinets not marked “Pentan” contain CFC/HCFC.
12
13
14
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