§7671g National recycling and emission reduction program

Summary

Require the Administrator to make rules about how class I and class II refrigerant chemicals are used and thrown away. By January 1, 1992 the Administrator must set rules for class I chemicals used during service, repair, or disposal of appliances and industrial refrigeration, and those rules must take effect by July 1, 1992. By four years after November 15, 1990 the Administrator must make rules for other uses of class I and class II substances (including class II during service, repair, or disposal); those rules must take effect within 12 months after they are issued. The rules must cut use and emissions as much as possible and make it easier to capture and recycle these chemicals. The rules must also require safe disposal: remove bulk class I or II chemicals from machines before disposal, make sure machines sold across state lines have a service opening or similar design so the chemicals can be recaptured, and dispose of products that contain these chemicals in ways that minimize release (with an exception if the benefit is tiny). Starting July 1, 1992, it is illegal to knowingly vent or release class I or II refrigerants while servicing, repairing, or disposing of appliances or industrial refrigeration, except for very small releases that happen during good-faith recovery efforts. Five years after November 15, 1990 the same ban also covers substitute refrigerants unless the Administrator says they are not harmful. Appliance — household or commercial devices using substitute refrigerants, such as air conditioners, refrigerators, chillers, or freezers.