SWINDON Services is urging all householders and traders who plan to dispose of old fridges or freezers to ensure it is done safely.

From January 1, 2002 all ozone-depleting substances (ODS) must be removed from fridges and freezers before they are scrapped.

This includes the ODS in the cooling system of refrigeration equipment and the insulating foam inside fridge doors and walls.

Local authorities will be responsible for ensuring that all ODS are removed from fridges and freezers before they are disposed of.

Swindon Council is therefore urging residents who want to dispose of old fridges or freezers to either:

Take them to the civic amenity site in Barnfield road, off Great Western Way or

Contact Swindon Services to arrange for the fridge or freezer to be collected. The telephone number is Swindon 463463.

Traders with unwanted fridges and freezers should take them to the civic amenity site in Barnfield Road.

All fridges and freezers should be emptied of food and cleaned before they are sent for disposal.

There is no charge for the collection service or for use of the civic amenity site. But members of the public are urged to remember that fly-tipping is illegal and dumped fridges and freezers are potentially dangerous to small children and pets who might become trapped inside.