§7671g National Recycling and Emission Reduction Program

Summary

The EPA must make rules to cut use and release of certain refrigerant chemicals and to make sure they are captured and reused or safely thrown away. By January 1, 1992 the EPA must write rules for class I substances used during service, repair, or disposal of appliances and industrial refrigeration, and those rules must take effect by July 1, 1992. Within 4 years after November 15, 1990 the EPA must write rules for other class I and class II uses not covered above, including class II during service and repair, and those rules must take effect no later than 12 months after they are issued. The rules must aim for the lowest possible emissions and the most recapture and recycling. The EPA can require safer alternative chemicals or less use of class I or II substances. The rules must also require safe disposal: remove bulk refrigerants before throwing away or recycling equipment; make appliances with a service opening or similar design to allow recapture; and dispose of products that contain these substances in a way that minimizes releases, with a narrow exception if a product gives only tiny benefits. Starting July 1, 1992 it is illegal for anyone who maintains, services, repairs, or disposes of an appliance or industrial refrigeration to knowingly vent or release class I or class II refrigerants into the environment, though tiny releases during good-faith recovery efforts are allowed. Starting 5 years after November 15, 1990 this same ban also covers substitute refrigerants unless the EPA finds they pose no environmental threat. Appliance = a household or commercial device that uses a substitute refrigerant, such as an air conditioner, refrigerator, chiller, or freezer.