In large commercial buildings and industrial facilities, temperature control is critical. That’s where Refrigerant R-123 comes into play. Known for its use in centrifugal chillers, R-123 has been a mainstay in the HVAC industry for decades. But as environmental regulations tighten and phaseouts continue, the question becomes: What should you do with your existing supply of R-123?
At Refrigerant Services LLC, we help facility managers, HVAC contractors, and building engineers safely recycle and recover value from their used or surplus R-123. Here’s why it matters.
What is R-123 Refrigerant and Where Is It Used?
R-123 (HCFC-123) is a hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant widely used in low-pressure centrifugal chillers, especially in large-scale applications like:
- Commercial office buildings
- Hospitals and universities
- Government and data centers
- Industrial process cooling
Its low ozone depletion potential (ODP) and moderate global warming potential (GWP) made it a popular alternative to R-11 in the 1990s. However, R-123 is still classified as an ozone-depleting substance and is now subject to strict environmental controls under the Montreal Protocol and U.S. EPA regulations.
Why R-123 is Being Phased Out
Although it was a step up from R-11, R-123 is still a hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)—meaning it contributes to ozone layer depletion. As part of the ongoing HCFC phaseout schedule in the U.S., R-123 is no longer being produced for new equipment, and its use is being heavily restricted.
That makes proper management, recovery, and recycling of existing R-123 more important than ever.
Why You Should Recycle and Reclaim R-123
- Stay Legally Compliant
Disposing of R-123 improperly can lead to EPA violations and costly fines. Recycling through a certified refrigerant reclaimer like Refrigerant Services LLC ensures you’re in full compliance with federal and state environmental laws. - Support Sustainability Goals
Recycling and reclaiming R-123 reduces the need for producing new refrigerants and limits emissions of harmful chemicals. It’s also a responsible way to support green initiatives. - Unlock Hidden Value
You may be sitting on unused R-123 that still has value. Through our refrigerant buyback program, we purchase your used or surplus R-123 at competitive market rates, helping you offset equipment upgrade costs. - Prepare for the Future
As more building systems transition to low-GWP refrigerants, responsible disposal and management of legacy refrigerants like R-123 is essential. Proper handling now saves you the headache of costly retrofits and environmental liabilities down the line.
How Refrigerant Services LLC Can Help
At Refrigerant Services LLC, we offer a full suite of services for R-123 management:
On-site recovery and reclamation
EPA-certified refrigerant recycling
Buyback program for surplus or recovered R-123
Proper documentation for environmental compliance
We make it easy to do the right thing—with quick turnaround, competitive pricing, and nationwide service for commercial and industrial clients.
Final Thoughts
If your facility still uses R-123, the time to act is now. Whether you’re decommissioning old chillers or replacing systems with next-gen refrigerants, Refrigerant Services LLC is your trusted partner for responsible refrigerant recycling and recovery.
Let us help you recycle smart, stay compliant, and get paid for your surplus refrigerant.
Refrigerant Services LLC
54000 Grand River Ave
New Hudson, MI 48165
844-PURE-CFC (787-3232)
Refrigerant Services LLC – Your Partner in Responsible Refrigerant Recovery
