Frequently Asked Questions
In light of the recent success we have received through partnering with councils, the success page has been prepared for Council officers and others wishing to participate in the Phoenix Fridges for Councils Program. The program is designed to direct fridge disposal away from the Council waste stream to Phoenix Fridges, to the benefit of both parties. For convenience, the data is presented in a FAQ format.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to call Brotherhood of St Laurence at 03 9380 7800.
Should you decide to promote this program to your residents, we would appreciate hearing about it. We always ask donors how they have heard about Phoenix Fridges and are able to provide summary data for your shire on an annual basis if that is of help.
1.What is Phoenix Fridges?
2. How does Phoenix Fridges operate?
3. Is client data secure?
4. Is Phoenix Fridges OH&S compliant?
5. Is Phoenix Fridges Work Cover compliant?
6. Does Phoenix Fridges have appropriate insurances?
7. Is Phoenix Fridges accredited to collect CFCs and other refrigerants?
8. What happens if Phoenix Fridges personnel damage resident property?
9. What happens if the resident is not home?
10. Does Phoenix Fridges have the capacity to collect a large number of fridges?
11. Where does Phoenix Fridges collect from?
12. Does Phoenix Fridges have any material to help or guide Councils?
13. What is the wait time for collection?
14. What else does the Brotherhood of St Laurence collect?
15. Where can I buy a Phoenix Fridge?
What is Phoenix Fridges
Phoenix Fridges is a social enterprise of the Brotherhood of St Laurence, that collects second-hand fridges and/or old fridges that are no longer working or required.
These fridge donations are collected from Melbourne households free of charge and are taken to the Phoenix Fridges workshop in Brunswick for evaluation.
Fridges that can be refurbished are thoroughly tested, cleaned and repaired. They are then made available for sale in the Brotherhood of St Laurence’s Community Stores. Fridges that cannot be fixed or are too old, inefficient or damaged are degassed in accordance with Australian standards. The refrigerant gases are safely captured and all metal and plastic is recycled.
As part of its philosophy of inclusion, the Brotherhood also aims to strengthen the capacity of new and emerging communities to become active participants in the social and economic life of Australia. Phoenix Fridges facilitates this philosophy by offering traineeships to long-term unemployed people, guiding them through on-the-job training and work experience. Upon completion of a six-month traineeship, participants are granted a Certificate II in Electronic Assembly and have the skills necessary to take on regular work.
How does Phoenix Fridges operate?
Donors are invited to call 1300 DONATE (366 283)
These fridge donations are collected from Melbourne households free of charge and then taken to the Phoenix workshop in Brunswick for evaluation.
Fridges that can be refurbished are thoroughly tested, cleaned and repaired. They are then made available for sale in Brotherhood’s Community Stores. Fridges that are too old, inefficient or damaged are degassed in accordance with Australian standards. The refrigerant gases are safely captured and all metal and plastic is recycled.
Phoenix Fridges does not collect data except where required to facilitate collection or where required for the Essential Services Commission (Victoria). Identifying data is never shared with any other entity; nor is it used for any marketing purpose of the Brotherhood.
Is Phoenix Fridges OH&S compliant?
Phoenix Fridges are OHS compliant under the OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2007.
Is Phoenix Fridges Work Cover compliant?
Phoenix Fridges are compliant with all WorkCover processes, including incident reporting, return to work planning, consultation, and provision of suitable duties to assist with return to work of an injured employee. A link to the Certificate of Currency with CGU Workers’ Compensation is below to support WorkCover compliance.
Certificate of Currency 2012
Does Phoenix Fridges have appropriate insurances?
Phoenix Fridges insurance policies fall under the Brotherhood of St. Laurence (BSL) insurance policies provided by the VMIA.
Is Phoenix Fridges accredited to collect CFCs and other refrigerants?
Phoenix is registered with the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC); Authorisation number: AU25268
What happens if Phoenix Fridges personnel damage resident property?
On the rare occasions that donor property is damaged, Phoenix Fridges guarantees full compensation or repair.
What happens if the resident is not home?
For Occupational Health and Safety reasons, and also for your convenience, fridges may be moved to an easily accessible, paved area such as a shed or porch. This makes collections easier and means that residents do not have to be home at the time of pick-up.
Does Phoenix Fridges have the capacity to collect a large number of fridges?
The Brotherhood operates a flexible truck fleet that can be expanded if required. Capacity is very high.
Where does Phoenix Fridges collect from?
Click here for a list of suburbs
Does Phoenix Fridges have any material to help or guide Councils?
Information pack for Councils
What is the wait time for collection?
Phoenix Fridges service standards require that every fridge be collected within ten working days. However, over the last year the average wait time has been four days.
What else does the Brotherhood collect?
Goods donated by the public
We are always grateful to receive unwanted items in good condition to sell in our stores in Victoria or to give to families in need. These items include quality clothing, furniture, white goods, household items and bric-a-brac. Our fridges program reconditions donated fridges to make them more energy- and cost-efficient.
Direct-to-shop donations
Our stores are happy to receive direct donations during trading hours. So after clearing out your cupboards and wardrobe, why not take your unwanted items to your local Brotherhood op shop?
View our full list of community store locations.
Furniture and white goods pick-ups
We can collect furniture and white goods in Melbourne metropolitan area and up to the Mt Eliza area of the Mornington Peninsula. Please phone 1300 DONATE (366 283) to arrange an inspection and home pick-up.
What we can’t take
While we appreciate donations to our community stores, there are some items for which there is little demand or which regulations prevent us from accepting. For our current list, please click here.
Good donated by companies
If your business has customer returns, samples or end-of-line stock taking up valuable space, please consider donating the goods to the Brotherhood. We are also always happy to receive second-hand office equipment and supplies such as stationery and furniture.
Every summer and winter the Brotherhood runs a Corporate Clothing Appeal throughout metropolitan Melbourne. We place bins-on-wheels in the workplaces of participating companies for employees to deposit unwanted, good quality business and casual clothing.
If you would like to arrange for collection of donated goods, please phone 1300 DONATE (366 283).
Where can I buy a Phoenix Fridge?
Stores in Brunswick, Moonee Ponds, Croydon, Deer Park, Bentleigh, Seaford, Pakenham and Geelong.
For store addresses and opening hours click here.
