refridgerant license required to scrap a fridge?

**gravygrabber** · 01-06-2015, 11:53 AM

I got a couple fridge/freezer combos. These are broken units without refrigerant in them. I called up the local scrapyard and asked if there is enough metal on them to throw in the shred and was told they don't take them. I asked why and they said because of the refrigerant. I said these have no refrigerant in them and they asked if I have a license. I said yes actually I do have one (ASE refrigerant license, I'm a mechanic) and they said I'd need that and a statement that the material has been recovered properly then I could throw it in the shred pile. Is this an EPA thing?

**freonjoe** · 01-06-2015, 12:03 PM

Yes, it is an EPA thing. Depending on the yard, you might have to have a letter on file along with a copy of your license on file before you roll across the scale. Otherwise, you have to drop it in the remediation area and not get paid for it.

**bcrepurposing** · 01-06-2015, 03:42 PM

i simply cut out the compressor area after having a mechanic friend discharge them. for my yards if on visual inspection there is nothing to hold freon they are shred wieght but compressor MUST be removed. i just go a step further and open the compartment as a convieiance to me and them. makes for faster trips through yard when they can glance and see vs crawling all over load.

**DevinThaScrapper** · 01-06-2015, 05:35 PM

Find a new yard. My yard wants them empty, they don't ask any questions as long as it doesn't have a compressor on it. (they don't buy compressors unless they are cut in half)

**Mechanic688** · 01-06-2015, 05:35 PM

Originally Posted by bcrepurposing

i simply cut out the compressor area after having a mechanic friend discharge them. for my yards if on visual inspection there is nothing to hold freon they are shred wieght but compressor MUST be removed. i just go a step further and open the compartment as a convieiance to me and them. makes for faster trips through yard when they can glance and see vs crawling all over load.

And then the compressors can be sold for way more than just shred.

**wayne1956** · 01-06-2015, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Mechanic688

And then the compressors can be sold for way more than just shred.

Or if someone doesn't mind the extra work, cut open the compressor (after draining the oil), remove the electric motor and cut off the windings. I have cashed in 3 full 5 gallon buckets of windings (#2 copper, and compressed as much as possible), and am working on a 4th. Some folks may think it is not worth the effort, but I open the casings when I am bored and have nothing else to do, so there is really no earnings vs effort to try and compute.

refridgerant license required to scrap a fridge?

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