Photo credits: (provided by Lions Club of Greenwood Lake) L to R: Matthew Kafka, Arianna Kafka, Mayor Tom Howley, Trustee John Trazino (kneeling with dog), Fred Rumler, Karissa Zapoluch, Jeanne Maron, Michael Helme
Greenwood Lake, NY — In a significant step toward environmental stewardship and climate responsibility, the Lions Club, in collaboration with Sustainable Warwick, launched a new community appliance recycling program beginning in Greenwood Lake on Sunday April 12, 2026, designed to safely dispose of older household equipment while preventing the release of harmful greenhouse gases.
The initiative invites Town of Warwick residents in areas including Greenwood Lake, Florida, and Warwick, to bring outdated refrigerators, freezers, air-conditioning units, and dehumidifiers to designated facilities in each of the Villages—free of charge.
The program addresses a largely unseen but critical environmental issue: the hazardous materials contained within older appliances. Historically, many of these units were manufactured with chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chemicals once widely used as refrigerants and in insulation foam. These substances are known to deplete the ozone layer and have been phased out under the Clean Air Act.
Even newer generations of appliances, which transitioned to hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), present challenges. While HFCs do not damage the ozone layer, they are extremely potent greenhouse gases—now being phased down under the American Innovation and Manufacturing Act due to their significant contribution to climate change. Greenwood Lake resident, Michael Green, was among the first drop off an older refrigerator with R12 contained in it. “If it’s dumped somewhere, it will pollute a landfill and ruin the atmosphere,” he said, and “I want to keep this from becoming a hazard.”
“Most people don’t realize just how powerful these refrigerants are,” said Michael Helme, Sustainable Warwick Steering Committee member. “If released, a single pound can have the same climate impact as thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide. Capturing and properly recycling them is one of the most effective actions we can take at the local level.”
In addition to refrigerants, older appliances may also contain mercury switches, contaminated oils, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)—all hazardous substances that pose risks to both human health and the environment if improperly discarded. Through the new program, trained technicians safely recover refrigerants and other materials, ensuring they are either recycled or disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations. The process is both cost-effective and highly impactful.
“It’s incredibly easy for residents to participate,” said Greenwood Lake Mayor, Tom Howley. “You simply bring your old appliance to the truck that was parked here at Winstanley Park, and our team takes it from there. It’s convenient, it’s free, and it makes a real difference.” Organizers emphasize that this effort is more than just a recycling option—it is a community diversion program aimed at keeping harmful materials out of landfills, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering greater environmental awareness.
With growing adoption of newer, environmentally friendly refrigerants such as R-290 (propane), which has an ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) of 0 and a very low GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 3), the program also helps ensure that legacy appliances do not undermine progress already being made in sustainable manufacturing.
Local leaders hope the initiative will inspire widespread participation and serve as a model for other communities. “This is one of those rare opportunities where a simple action—dropping off an old appliance—can have an outsized impact,” noted Helme. “It’s about protecting our environment, our health, and our future.”
Future recycling events are scheduled in the Villages of Warwick and Florida, NY. For details click on https://www.
