Canadian Refrigerant Recovery Certifications

[Warwickshire]

Hey all!


So whenever I'm out scrapping I always see tons of refrigerators, AC units, and freezers, but even though some of them have large amounts of copper piping on them, I never take them because I don't want to deal with the CORRECT refrigerant disposal process. That being said, given how I'm not working right now, I have considered purchasing a refrigerant recovery machine and the associated hardware in order to properly reclaim/recover refrigerant from these appliances. My only concern is that even after awhile of research, I am struggling to find a clear cut definition for the legality of refrigerant recovery in Canada (Alberta). Do I need an ODP card and have a diploma in HVAC repair? Or do I just need an ODP card and the proper equipment? I just wanted to be 100% sure before I go out and spend $1000 dollars on equipment! *Edit* I reposted this over here as it fits much better in this section of the forums.






Mr. Warwickshire

[Warwickshire]

*UPDATE*

It seems as though legally recovering refrigerants in Canada is WAAY to regulated. From what I have gathered over the past few days is that in order to service (ie. recover or complete any work whatsoever) any sort of appliance/machine/device containing refrigerant you must have:

A) An official, authorized trade certificate (4 Years of apprenticeship requiring over 1500 hours of work and 32 weeks of technical training). Cost: $6000-$8000

B) Take and pass the Ozone Depleting Substances test, collecting an ODP certificate. Cost: $250

C) Purchase required equipment for recovery. Cost:$1000-$2000

Total cost and time to recover refrigerants in Canada: Average of $8750 or rougly $9000 dollars......
I'm not sure I want to go down this road anymore lol! Too bad it wasn't more like the states.