Managing Refrigerant in Stationary Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Equipment

Stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump equipment is used in all types of buildings. EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act address the handling and recycling of refrigerants used in these types of equipment. These regulations are designed to:

• Prevent the release of ozone-depleting substances (ODSODSA compound that contributes to stratospheric ozone depletion. ODS include chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), halons, methyl bromide, carbon tetrachloride, hydrobromofluorocarbons, chlorobromomethane, and methyl chloroform. ODS are generally very stable in the troposphere and only degrade under intense ultraviolet light in the stratosphere. When they break down, they release chlorine or bromine atoms, which then deplete ozone. A detailed list (http://www.epa.gov/ozone/science/ods/index.html) of class I and class II substances with their ODPs, GWPs, and CAS numbers are available.) when stationary equipment is being serviced, maintained, repaired, or disposed.
• Reduce the use and emission of ODS from stationary equipment.
• Maximize the recapture and recycling of ODS from stationary equipment.
• Ensure the safe disposal of ODS.

The following pages provide additional information on EPA’s Section 608 regulations.

• Venting refrigerant
• Service practices
• Leak repair
• Technician certification
• Refrigerant sales and distribution
• Refrigerant reclamation
• Safe disposal
• Recordkeeping

More detailed information on these regulations is available at 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F.

Motor vehicle air conditioner (MVAC) servicing is governed under Section 609 of the Clean Air Act. There are some areas of overlap between the Section 608 and Section 609 regulations. Learn more about handling and recycling MVAC refrigerants.