End of Life
For products at end of life, we have developed a comprehensive strategy to support responsible waste management and disposal.
When it’s not possible or no longer environmentally sustainable to extend the useful life of an appliance, we work to recover as many parts and components from the unit as we can to maximize retained value and recovery of resources. Once reuse options are exhausted, appliances are disposed of responsibly and in line with all local, regional and national regulations whenever applicable. For countries with an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policy in place, we work with partners and/or producer responsibility organizations (PROs) to comply with regional end-of-life (EOL) targets. In regions without EOL regulations and policies, we aim to promote responsible collection and treatment of disposed appliances through our strategic relationships with recyclers and third-party logistics providers as well as our extensive warehousing network.
To manage compliance and improve oversight of waste management processes, we have a Recycling Service Agreement with our vendors, requiring compliance with local laws and regulations for proper waste management and providing procedural guidelines to properly identify and process hazardous components. We also require suppliers and subcontractors to follow the Basel Convention, which bans the exportation of e-waste from Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries to non-OECD countries, except for signatory nations.
Take Back System
Across the Latin America region (LAR), Whirlpool Corporation operates Take Back Systems in Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica and Mexico City, promoting compliance with local EPR regulations and responsible EOL management for appliances of any brand.
In Brazil, Whirlpool was the first appliance company to implement an individual take back system, enabling strategic focus on regulatory compliance, operational efficiency and long-term evolution of the recycling ecosystem in the country. The program offers free home collection nationwide for appliances and electronics of any brand weighing more than 30 kilograms, including refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and ranges. It also facilitates the recovery of small electronics and appliances by connecting consumers with thousands of collection points across Brazil, free of charge.
In Brazil, system implementation has required that we navigate a complex regulatory framework, limited recycling infrastructure and a large territorial footprint. Even under these conditions, our individual take back system provides higher traceability, strengthens operational control and ensures compliance with national requirements. This model has improved system performance and expanded responsible collection and treatment capacity across the country.
Brazil has also significantly advanced consumer awareness of proper appliance disposal, leveraging the strength of the Brastemp and Consul brands. These initiatives have contributed to increased collection volumes in Brazil and greater awareness of environmental responsibility and proper appliance disposal among consumers.
To support our Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Management Plan for Mexico City in our Latin America region, we were the first electrical appliance producer participating in Walmart’s "Reciclamania Evoluciona" initiative. Through this program, consumers can access collection points across the city to drop off their electronic waste free of charge, helping ensure environmentally sound management. Whirlpool also offers free home collection services in Mexico City and two additional collection points in the city.
Product Trade-In
Whirlpool provides consumer access to responsible disposal through a strategic e-commerce initiative in Latin America, offering trade-in options or free end of life disposal through the “Troca Certa” program on our Compra Certa, Brastemp and Consul brand websites. Alongside these efforts, we partner with the retailer Lojas Koerich in hundreds of stores across Santa Catarina, Brazil, to facilitate the return of previously used appliances at the time of purchase.