John’s Reflections on White Goods and Waste Safety
(Inspired by listener John Crawford’s email about Episode 81 of Rubbish Talk)
Some stories from the early days of waste management are sobering reminders of how far safety and regulation have come — and how hard-won those lessons were.
Long-time listener and former guest John Crawford (Episode 53) wrote to us after listening to Episode 81, sharing a vivid account from 1984 that still sticks with him today.
The Fridge-Freezer Incident
“In 1984,” John writes, “a Council 40 cu yd rolonoff arrived at Linwood Incinerator and tipped a load of fridges, freezers, cookers and other white goods collected from our CA sites.”
“One of the three labourers sorting the pile went forward, took out his axe and hacked into a freezer — to get the metal piping out for scoof (scrap). A jet of refrigerant shot into his face and he lost the sight of one eye and 80% in the other.”
It was a terrible accident — but what followed was almost as troubling.
“Everybody knew he’d caused it himself,” John explains, “but the omertà in Renfrew District Council meant nobody would tell the truth. The HSE investigated but took no action, and the Council’s insurers still settled his claim.”
A stark reminder that safety culture — and accountability — were once far less robust than today.
Take-Backs, Repos, and Reuse
On a lighter note, John recalls the early days of white goods take-back schemes:
“I knew a bloke years ago whose job was to repossess washing machines when people hadn’t kept up their payments. He said it was common to collect one and have to pull the plug out, tip the water (and laundry) out the back door before loading it!”
From unsafe freezer dismantling to waterlogged washing machines — John’s stories show just how much has changed in the handling, recycling, and reuse of white goods.
Lessons That Still Matter
The industry has made enormous progress since the 1980s — with stricter health and safety standards, refrigerant recovery processes, and regulated disposal routes.
But as John’s story reminds us, every safety rule we follow today was written in response to real incidents, real people, and real consequences.
Listen to Episode 81 of Rubbish Talk for more discussion on waste safety and management practices — and revisit Episode 53 to hear more of John’s incredible first-hand experiences from a lifetime on the bins.