OMB noted that
EPA should be careful to not characterize data reported by Partner
companies as an aggregate summary of emissions reductions resulting
from the Program. EPA recognizes that some of the activities and
emissions reductions reported by Partners may have been achieved in
the absence of the Program. EPA also recognizes that there are
emissions reductions occurring in the industry that have been a
direct or indirect result of the influence of the Program, but are
not being reported to EPA. As a result, EPA has been and will
continue to be clear in any Program related communication that when
providing a summary or an aggregation of emission reductions it is
appropriately characterized as resulting from Partners’ reported
activities. OMB understands that EPA is committed to improving its
ability to meaningfully evaluate the contributions of voluntary
programs characterized by the absence of readily available, high
quality, or detailed data, particularly on non-participants. OMB
will expect a progress report on these efforts when the next
renewal for this ICR is submitted.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
01/31/2024
36 Months From Approved
01/31/2021
48
0
59
292
0
325
0
0
0
The Responsible Appliance Disposal
program (RAD) is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that encourages partners to
reduce emissions of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and their
alternatives that can be attributed to improper disposal of
appliances. Appliances may contain ozone-depleting refrigerants and
foams as well as universal wastes such as mercury, used oil, and
polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Federal law requires refrigerant
recovery and proper management of universal waste but does not
require the recovery of appliance foam. The RAD program works with
utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state affiliates, and others
to dispose of appliances using best environmental practices. To
encourage reductions in emissions associated with appliance
disposal in the United States, the EPA launched the RAD program.
The RAD program supports Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and
is an important component of the EPAs mission to protect the ozone
layer by reducing emissions of ODS. RAD program partners reduce
emissions of ODS and realize other benefits through recovery and
destruction/reclamation of refrigerants and foam blowing agentsthe
latter of which is not covered under existing Federal
regulationsand by ensuring that all other hazardous and recyclable
materials are handled using best environmental practices.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are avoided through recovery of both
ODS and many non-ODS foam blowing agents not covered under existing
regulations. Additionally, through the RAD program, the EPA is
partnering with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state
agencies, and others to promote the retirement of old appliances
and permanently remove energy inefficient units from the
electricity grid, providing energy savings to consumers.
Participation in the program begins with completion of a mutually
agreed upon Partnership Agreement that outlines mutual
responsibilities for participation in RAD program. By voluntarily
joining the program, a partner agrees to complete an annual
reporting form identifying the number and types of appliances
handled and the fates of their individual components. The
electronic reporting form automatically generates feedback for the
user on the results of their participation in terms of emissions
avoided, quantity of used oil/PCBs/mercury destroyed or recycled,
energy savings achieved, and consumer savings realized. An annual
report provides partners with information on their progress towards
achieving emissions reductions and information about developments
in the latest recycling technologies and practices. Through
recognition of partner efforts, and the programs promotion of
recycling best practices through webinars, web updates, fact
sheets, and presentations, non-partners become aware of recycling
best practices and can evaluate what best practices could work for
them. The RAD program largely serves to disseminate information on
recycling best practices and creates a platform for information
sharing on recycling and waste management practices. The data
collected are used as an indicator of whether industry is reducing
emissions from end-of-life appliances.
This is the first renewal of
the ICR for the RAD program. Adjustments are made to the number of
partners expected to participate in the RAD program during the
three-year effective life of this renewal ICR reflecting industry
changes since the original ICR (e.g., changes in recyclers
providing services to RAD partners).
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
2254ss03.docx
Responsible Appliance Disposal Program