Responsible Appliance Disposal Program

Responsible Appliance
Disposal Program

Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program
Guidance for Existing and Prospective Partners
Partners in EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program help protect the ozone layer and reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases (GHGs) by disposing of old, inefficient refrigerated appliances using the best environmental practices and
technologies available. By meeting program requirements and going above what is required by law to remove appliance foam,
partners can reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and GHGs, and will be publicly recognized for doing so. RAD
partners also help keep communities safe by ensuring that hazardous materials, such as mercury, PCBs, and used oil, are not
released into the environment.
Joining the program may also serve as a way to document efforts, voluntary commitments, or pledges to reduce GHG emissions. In
addition, partners that actively encourage the removal of old appliances from the electricity grid (e.g., by providing monetary
incentives for old, working appliances) will also reduce energy demand and GHG emissions associated with electricity generation.

What Does Proper Disposal of Refrigerated Appliances Entail?
Responsible disposal of refrigerated appliances involves the proper recovery and treatment of refrigerant, foam, mercury, PCBs, and
used oil, as explained in detail below.

Refrigerant
The refrigerant contained in household appliances can deplete the ozone layer and/or contribute to climate change if released. At
the appliance’s end-of-life, refrigerant should be properly recovered using EPA-certified refrigerant recovery equipment.
Once recovered, refrigerant must either be reclaimed by an EPA-certified reclaimer for reuse, or destroyed using approved
destruction technologies.
• Technicians disposing of/dismantling appliances are not required to be certified. However, disposal companies must certify to
their EPA regional office that they have acquired and are properly using refrigerant recovery/recycling equipment.

Foam
Appliance insulating foam has traditionally been manufactured using blowing agents that contribute to ozone layer depletion and/or
climate change if released. To prevent emissions of the foam blowing agent to the atmosphere, RAD partners agree to remove the
insulating foam prior to the disposal of the appliance, either manually or by using an automated system. Partners then either send
the insulating foam to a destruction facility, or use advanced technology to mechanically separate the liquid blowing agent for
reclamation or destruction.

Mercury
Mercury is regulated by the EPA as a toxic substance. Potential adverse health effects from exposure to mercury include tremors,
headaches, respiratory failure, reproductive and developmental abnormalities, and potentially, cancers. Therefore, in accordance
with federal hazardous waste regulations (40 CFR 273), mercury waste must be recovered from switches and relays found in
appliances prior to their disposal. These wastes must be handled by a qualified recovery facility that has appropriate hazardous
waste management permits. At approved facilities, mercury wastes are managed in accordance with applicable federal, state, and
local hazardous waste regulations (e.g., waste must be properly packaged prior to transport). For more information on the
regulatory requirements specific to mercury waste, visit http://www.epa.gov/hg/regs.htm#wastes. For more information on the
proper storage of hazardous waste, visit http://www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/tsd/storage.htm.

Used Oil
If improperly handled, used oil can leak into groundwater and major waterways and pollute drinking water sources. Used
oil from appliances may contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals which are dangerous to human health. Therefore, used oil
removed from appliances must be properly managed in accordance with the federal used oil management standards
(40 CFR 279), or applicable state regulations. Once used oil is recovered, it must be stored in appropriate containers that are in
good condition, with no visible leaks. Additionally, according to part 279, refrigerant contaminating the used oil should be
recovered. Used oil removed from refrigerated appliances cannot be mixed with used oil from other sources.

PCBs
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are regulated by the EPA as toxic substances (40 CFR 761). PCBs may cause cancer, liver damage,
and can have negative impacts on the neurological development of children, the human reproductive system, the immune system,
and the endocrine system. PCBs can be found in the capacitors (used to store electrical charge in the compressor) of older
refrigerated appliances. If the capacitor fails to state “contains no PCBs” or the capacitor (or appliance) was manufactured before
1979, one should assume that the capacitor contains PCBs. By law, PCB capacitors may not be stored for more than one year.
EPA-approved storage and disposal companies can assist you in properly handling any PCB capacitors recovered from appliances.
To find an EPA-approved PCB storage facility near you, visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/comstor.htm.
To find an EPA-approved PCB disposal company near you, visit http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/hazard/tsd/pcbs/pubs/discobyreg.htm.

What Recordkeeping/Reporting
Requirements Apply to RAD Partners?
EPA provides partners with a user-friendly reporting form to be completed and submitted annually to the EPA. Based on user
inputs, the electronic reporting form automatically calculates the environmental benefits of partner activities, such that each
partner can see the positive impacts that have resulted from their disposal programs.
Specifically, RAD partners must report on the following program information annually:
• The number of appliances collected;
• Type and quantity of refrigerants recovered and subsequently reclaimed/destroyed;
• Type and quantity of foam blowing agent destroyed;
• Weight of metals, plastics, and glass recycled;
• Quantity of hazardous waste products recovered; and
• Energy savings information associated with retirement of old appliances (if applicable).

Where Can I Find More Information?
Visit EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program website at http://www.epa.gov/rad/.

United States
Environmental Protection
Agency

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J)
EPA-430-F-13-002
www.epa.gov
April 2013