Checklist for Refrigerant Reclaimers Seeking EPA Certification

Checklist for Refrigerant Reclaimers Seeking EPA Certification

EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act restrict the resale of used ozone-depleting and substitute refrigerant to a new owner unless it has been reclaimed by an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer. 

Companies must submit the following items to EPA in order to be listed as an EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimer (note that there is no specific EPA form for submitting this information):

1. List the complete name and address of the reclaimer. Include the address where reclamation will take place, if it differs from your business address.
2. List the names of the business owner and the responsible officer who will serve as an EPA point of contact.
3. List the equipment used to reprocess the refrigerant. If reprocessing equipment was purchased off the shelf, provide make, model, and serial number. If equipment is generic or was manufactured by the reclaimer, provide a description and photographs of the equipment and processes. Note that equipment used to recover refrigerant directly from air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment must be certified by Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) or Underwriters Laboratories (UL) consistent with EPA requirements.
4. List the equipment used to analyze the refrigerant. If you use an independent laboratory, submit the name, address, and phone number of the laboratory, and the list of equipment used by the laboratory to analyze the refrigerant. Submit a letter from the laboratory confirming an agreement with your organization. Be advised that if the laboratory fails to verify refrigerant purity using the methods set forth in AHRI Standard 700-2016, you are responsible for this failure.
5. Certification that each batch of reclaimed refrigerant will be reprocessed to the specifications set forth in AHRI Standard 700-2016 that are applicable to that refrigerant (except for the unsaturates limit and R-40 standard).
6. Certification that the specifications of each batch of reclaimed refrigerant will be verified using the methods set forth in AHRI Standard 700-2016. Be advised that if the laboratory fails to verify refrigerant purity using the methods set forth in AHRI Standard 700-2016, you are responsible for this failure.
7. Certification that no more than 1.5 percent of the refrigerant will be released during the reclamation process.
8. Certification that wastes from the reclamation process will be disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
9. Acknowledgment that reclaimers must maintain records of the names and addresses of persons sending them material for reclamation and the quantity of the material (the combined mass of refrigerant and contaminants) sent to them for reclamation. Such records shall be maintained on a transactional basis.
10. Acknowledgment that reclaimers must maintain records of the quantity of material sent to them for reclamation by refrigerant type, the mass of refrigerant reclaimed by refrigerant type, and the mass of waste products. Reclaimers must report this information to EPA annually by February 1 of the next year.
11. Acknowledgment that certificates are not transferable. If ownership of an entity that reclaims refrigerant changes, the new owner of the entity must seek certification within 30 days of the change of ownership.
12. Acknowledgment that failure to abide by any of the provisions of 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F may result in revocation or suspension of the certification of the reclaimer.
13. Certification that the information given in the certification is true and correct.

In addition, provide the following information for EPA to include on its list of certified reclaimers:

1. Indicate whether you only reclaim refrigerant that has been recovered from appliances by your own employees or you accept used refrigerant from outside technicians and contractors.
2. Provide a contact name, website, email address, and telephone number for the public.
3. Indicate the states or metropolitan areas from which you accept used refrigerant.
4. Indicate whether your business participates in the voluntary reclamation program established by AHRI.