In compliance with the Montreal Protocol, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began phasing out R-22 refrigerant in the early 2010s. As of January 1, 2020, the production and import of R-22 were banned in the United States.
That said, many legacy HVAC systems still rely on R-22, and recovering or replacing these systems remains a pressing issue for building owners and facility managers.
Why Proper R-22 Disposal and Recycling is Critical
Improper handling of R-22 doesn’t just break the law—it puts the environment and public health at risk. Here’s why responsible disposal or recycling is essential:
1. 🌎 Protecting the Ozone Layer
R-22 releases chlorine atoms when it breaks down in the atmosphere. These atoms deplete the ozone layer, which protects us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Recycling or reclaiming R-22 prevents these emissions and safeguards the atmosphere.
2. 🌡️ Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
R-22 has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP)—more than 1,800 times that of carbon dioxide. A single pound released into the atmosphere can contribute significantly to climate change. Safe recovery keeps it out of the air.
3. ⚖️ Staying Compliant with EPA Regulations
The Clean Air Act mandates that refrigerants like R-22 be recovered and recycled by certified technicians. Discharging R-22 can result in substantial fines and penalties for property owners and service providers.
4. ♻️ Conserving Limited Supplies
With no new R-22 being produced, the only available refrigerant comes from reclaimed sources. Recycling ensures a continued supply for existing equipment, helping delay costly replacements for building owners with legacy systems.
What Happens During R-22 Recovery and Recycling?
At Refrigerant Services LLC, we focus on the safe recovery and recycling of R-22 in full compliance with EPA standards.
Here’s how it works:
- Recovery: Our certified technicians use EPA-approved equipment to safely remove R-22 refrigerant from HVAC and refrigeration systems. This prevents the release of harmful gases into the atmosphere.
- Recycling: Once recovered, the refrigerant is filtered and processed to remove oil, moisture, and other contaminants. While it is not reclaimed to AHRI-700 standards for reuse, it is recycled in a manner that allows for safe storage or handling, reducing environmental impact.
- Disposal Coordination: For refrigerant that cannot be reused or stored, we properly dispose of it in accordance with all environmental and safety regulations.
We ensure every step is compliant, traceable, and environmentally responsible.
Our technicians use state-of-the-art recovery units and handle all documentation to ensure environmental and legal compliance.
Still Using Equipment That Runs on R-22?
If your facility still operates HVAC or refrigeration systems that use R-22, now is the time to act. Options include:
- ✅ Retrofit or replace the system with one that uses a modern, eco-friendly refrigerant like R-410A or R-407C.
- ✅ Schedule refrigerant recovery with a certified provider to avoid unauthorized discharge.
- ✅ Store or recycle your recovered R-22 safely through an EPA-certified service.
Choose a Trusted Refrigerant Recovery Partner
At Refrigerant Services LLC, we specialize in the safe handling, transportation, and recovery of R-22 and other regulated refrigerants. We make the process simple and compliant—whether you’re a commercial building owner, HVAC contractor, or facility manager.
📞 Need R-22 recovered or recycled? Contact us today to schedule a service or consultation.
Contact Us:
📍 Serving Michigan
📞 844-PURE-CFC
🌐 refrigerantservicesllc.com
