rules for AC disposal

What I really want to know is what license is required for an individual or a scrap metal yard operator to dismantle an AC unit in order to sell the components for scrap. Sometimes I see AC sealed units lying around at scrap yards. Are there special regulations for this?

So Mick, let me ask you - if you get that certification (which seems pretty easy), that gives you the OK to release FREON into the air? Or does it just license you to recover it? I'd be curious to know, thanks!!

that gives you the OK to release FREON into the air?

A couple of things can happen, there is a hazard of burning or freezing your lungs if it's inhaled. Or freezing your face and hands if you "vent" it into the atmosphere. Might want to use a face shield. Just a thought. In addition to be illegal,,,

Originally Posted by admin

No, you cannot release freon into the air in any situation.

You have to have an EPA certification to

1. Operate freon recovery equipment
2. Purchase or exchange freon and/or freon recovery tanks with certified reclaimers.
3. Evacuate and recycle freon from appliances and/or vehicles of any kind.

You are only allowed to release extremely minute amounts of freon into the air, typically the inevitable release of freon when briefly connecting and disconnecting your fittings and hoses.

To make it clear, releasing freon into the air can lead to a $10,000 fine or more (last time I checked) and possible jail time, whether you have an EPA certification or not.

If caught releasing freon into the air after acquiring your EPA certification, your license will be REVOKED and you will be unable to obtain one again in the future.

Note that there are 3 different types of EPA certifications for evacuating freon. One for small and medium size appliances, one for large pressurized systems such as the ones you see on rooftops and central a/c, and one for vehicles.

Actually, its a $67,500 fine to anyone caught releasing freon into the air. $10,000 goes to the snitch that reports the person.

Originally Posted by Saroro

Sorry Ryan. Wasn't trying to bust on you. I was just making a general statement about common sense of off Mick's post. However, if you are interested in learning, start reading the older posts. Use your search function too. I'm pretty sure that this has been covered in a few previous posts. There is a LOT of information on this site if you go looking for it.

No worries Saroro, I wasn't in a good mood last night anyway. Much better this morning, and I appreciate the advice.

Well let me tell you what i do,I took a course on line there are many,some of the larger supply houses hold courses for this it was just faster on line for me,I bought a yellow jacket machine from johnston supply you will also need a torch set and a little bottle of oxagon,First you have to see if the unit has freeon in it that is called purging once the unit has gas you have to seal it back,that tech just sealed the unit so the freeon stays in after you seal back the line you attach your recovery machine to the unit with your gages attached,mycertified reclaiment company supplies me with the tansport tanks they always have a yellow color on the caps.my tanks are good for 125 lbs of freeon so i wweigh the tank when its empty then as is gets loaded i watch the weight so i know when its almost full,not to mention i am selling the r-22 for 3.00 a lbs to them now.hope i helped you.

I made good friends with a licensed freon evacuator. He does it "mobile" along with out of his back yard. I call him up, he tells me when to stop by, and he hooks up his machine. Just had two done on Monday. He evacd them, gave me two slips (one for each) in case I got stopped on the way home (for whatever reason), and away I went. Sliced the radiators up right on the tailgate of my truck, before I even detached them from the casing. Worked well.

Originally Posted by johny

First you have to see if the unit has freeon in it that is called purging once the unit has gas you have to seal it back

so how do you check to see if it has gas in the first place? I have some sitting around here that gave out a long time ago, and may have been empty when they parked them, but I'm yet to find how to check for gas other than loading them up and taking them somewhere and paying them to check (would be rather disappointing to do all that just to find out I payed them to tell me they were already empty)

Burly, I believe as long as no attempt has been made to release the refrigerant, and you notify them of the fact that it is still charged, responsibility is transferred to the new owner, i.e. the scrap yard. If you attempt to relieve that system, a refrigerator/AC/dehumidifier/etc., of its refrigerant charge you are 100% liable for that release.

Bear, something like this: Copper Saddle Valve, 3/8, PK 5 - Refrigeration Access Valves - AC Refrigeration - 3DXE6 : Grainger Industrial Supply is often used along with a set of pressure gauges to identify if refrigerant is still in a system. The link that I'm citing is for a 3/8"OD pipe connection for around $6.00 each. Shopping around will knock this price down significantly. Also, for small appliances there are "compression/self-piercing" style fittings that will allow you to test for a charge as well as evacuate the refrigerant.