Coolrec, a subsidiary of Renewi, is proud to announce it has signed a contract with a compliance scheme called ‘ecosystem,’ meaning it will soon be able to recycle used boilers. From December 2024, Coolrec will receive old appliances from the north of France and process them at its Lesquin site. This agreement marks an important step forward in the search for the sustainable treatment of used boilers in France.  It is estimated Coolrec will transform 15,500 tonnes into secondary raw materials each year.

A more sustainable treatment for boilers ecosystem’s call for new projects was launched to meet current standards for the treatment of boilers in France. The contract means Coolrec will take on the crucial role of processing used appliances in the north of the country, with the aim of recovering and carefully treating the fluorinated gases contained in the insulation materials. In addition, the thermodynamic water heaters will be properly recycled, and the gases and liquids they contain recovered in a sustainable manner.

To recycle boilers, Coolrec will be able to draw on its advanced expertise in the sustainable treatment of refrigerators, as the two products have very similar properties. To achieve this, the existing line at Lesquin will need to be supplemented by a washing line and a pre-shredder, which will ensure the remaining water and limescale deposits are optimally recovered, and that the raw components are slightly reduced in size so they can be easily sorted, either manually or automatically. The refrigeration line will then ensure the gases, polyurethane (PUR) and metals are properly treated and recovered.

“We are delighted to bring about a change in the way boilers are recycled in France, in order to reduce their environmental impact," said Maurice Geelen, Managing Director of Coolrec. "This demonstrates Coolrec's commitment to sustainability, innovation and reducing the environmental impact of waste streams.”

Effective start-up in early 2025

Coolrec will serve a large part of northern France (the departments of Aisne, Ardennes, Nord, Oise, Pas-de-Calais, Seine Maritime, Seine-et-Marne, Somme and Val d'Oise).

From the end of 2024, it will be possible to supply and treat boilers at the Lesquin site. Actual commissioning is scheduled for early 2025, with an estimated annual volume of around 15,500 tonnes.