Frequently Asked Questions
Refrigerant Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to your questions about Wisconsin DNR regulations for handling and salvaging items that may contain regulated refrigerants, such as vehicles, appliances and residential or commercial air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment. The regulatory basics are explained and you can print out forms to make the required registrations with DNR to recover refrigerants or haul appliances. Sample documents for keeping required records and certifying refrigerant recovery are provided, as well as information on the required technician certifications and approved recovery equipment. For a general description of the program and links to other Wisconsin refrigerant regulatory programs, visit the DNR Refrigerant Recovery Program page.
1. What activities does the DNR Refrigerant Recovery Program cover?
Salvaging and Dismantling: Under state regulations (Chapter NR 488, Wis. Admin Code), regulated refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, PFCs and blends) cannot be released to the environment when salvaging or dismantling any type of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment. The refrigerants must be properly recovered, using approved equipment operated by qualified technicians. The business recovering these refrigerants must be registered with the DNR, keep records of their recovery activities, and supply documentation that the refrigerants were properly removed to whoever receives the scrapped equipment.
Safe Transport: Anyone hauling equipment that is to be salvaged and still may contain refrigerants must annually certify safe transport to the Department.

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2. What laws regulate those who salvage or dismantle equipment containing refrigerants?
State of Wisconsin regulations are contained in Chapter NR 488, Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR].
To print out a flyer generally describing NR 488 requirements:
"Wisconsin Laws Concerning Regulated Refrigerants and Salvaging Operations" (PDF)
Federal Regulations:
Here is a good summary of the U.S. EPA requirements for handling salvaged equipment containing refrigerants:
Complying With The Section 608 Refrigerant Recycling Rule [exit DNR]

Here are Frequently Asked Questions about the federal regulations:

Frequently Asked Questions on Section 608 [exit DNR]

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3. What does "SALVAGE OR DISMANTLE" mean in this program?

"Salvage or dismantle" means to prepare entire units of refrigeration equipment, which have been removed permanently from service and may contain regulated refrigerants, for disposal. Treatment of portions of refrigeration equipment for the purpose of service or repair is not considered salvaging or dismantling.

Thus this definition includes preparing refrigerated appliances and vehicles with air conditioning that have been taken out of service for disposal or recycling. It also includes preparing larger commercial and industrial cooling, refrigeration or air-conditioning systems for salvage which may contain the regulated refrigerants. These systems could be taken permanently out of service to be replaced, or as part of a building demolition job.

In all cases, the refrigerants must be properly recovered before the equipment is salvaged or dismantled.

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4. What kind of salvaged equipment is regulated by the DNR program?

"Refrigeration equipment" means any mechanical vapor compression device designed to contain and utilize a regulated refrigerant including, but not limited to, motor vehicle air conditioners, industrial and commercial cooling and ice-making equipment, large building cooling systems and home appliances such as refrigerators, freezers, room and central air conditioners, and dehumidifiers.

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5. Which refrigerants are included in these regulations?

"Regulated Refrigerants" include four classes of refrigerants and any blends containing these refrigerants. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are ozone-depleting gases. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are global warming gases.

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6. Who must register to perform refrigerant recovery on salvaged equipment?

Any private or public entity responsible for recovering regulated refrigerants from any type of equipment being salvaged must register annually with the DNR. Typical registrants include public and private vehicle and appliance salvagers, HVAC companies, and those who perform their own in-house refrigerant work, when that includes recovering regulated refrigerants from equipment to be salvaged.

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7. How do I register my facility with DNR for refrigerant recovery?

REGISTRATION: If your facility salvages or dismantles whole units of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment which has been permanently removed from service and is responsible to recover refrigerants from this equipment, you must register annually with the Department of Natural Resources. This is done by completing Form 4500-129, Registration to Salvage or Dismantle Refrigeration Equipment. You must provide information on the type of equipment you will salvage, your certified technicians, and your recovery equipment, as well as submit the proper fee.

The annual registration fee is $250 for salvage operations. The fee is $125 if the facility is already registered with the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (to service vehicle air-conditioners) or Department of Commerce (to service stationary equipment) and salvages as a minor activity incidental to providing repair services.

Complete Form 4500-129a, Subcontractor Information if you have arranged for another entity to recover refrigerants under your registration. See FAQ #8.

Your facility must also submit Form 9400-568, Social Security Number/FEIN Collection Request, and must not be delinquent on state taxes to qualify for this registration.

Registration forms: View and print all three required forms together as one document.


Complete, sign and send in these forms with the proper fee to this address (also listed on Form 4500-129):
Refrigerant Recovery Program
Wisconsin DNR, AM/7
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921

If your registration form is complete and the appropriate fee submitted, the DNR will approve it within 10 days and you will receive a certificate of registration.

DISPLAY REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE: The regulations require that you must "prominently display" this registration certificate in your place of business.

RENEWAL: This is an annual registration, and the DNR will send you a completed renewal form in the month before your registration expires. You simply make any corrections or additions, sign, and mail back with the required fee.

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8. What options does a salvage facility have to meet the refrigerant recovery requirement?

Your salvage operation has three options you can use to comply with the requirement to recover refrigerants from salvaged equipment:

a) You can register to recover refrigerants using your own certified technicians and recovery equipment. See FAQ #7.

b) You can register your business (as in option a), but "subcontract" with another facility that has certified technicians and recovery equipment that is appropriate for the type of equipment you want to salvage. For instance, an auto salvage business may register and use the nearby auto service business that is state-licensed to perform work on auto air-conditioners. If you salvage appliances, you might make the same kind of arrangement with a business that is state-licensed to service refrigerated appliances.

Under this option, your facility will submit Form 4500-129a, Subcontractor Information to provide information on the business which will recover refrigerants under your registration. See FAQ #7

c) You can arrange for a facility that already holds the appropriate DNR registration to recover refrigerants from the equipment you need to salvage. Although the registered company must keep detailed records of each piece of equipment they check for refrigerant and/or recover, the DNR strongly recommends that your company keep copies of all the refrigerant recovery records pertaining to equipment they handle for you. Contact Lance Green, 608-264-6049 to find registered facilities in your area.

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9. How do I or my workers get individually certified for refrigerant recovery?

The regulations require that persons who recover regulated refrigerants from salvaged items must themselves hold the appropriate certification for the type of equipment being recovered, or be directly supervised by someone who is properly certified.

Certification for "mobile" AC equipment: Persons recovering refrigerants from vehicle air-conditioners or on-road cooling systems (refrigerated transport) need to become certified at a course approved by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) under Ch. ATCP 136, Wis. Adm. Code. These courses are available throughout the state at technical colleges and private companies.

DATCP mobile air-conditioning, including course listing [exit DNR] (PDF).
Certification for "stationary" equipment: Persons recovering refrigerants from "stationary" equipment (whole systems being salvaged) such as home appliances, building chillers, commercial refrigeration units need to obtain the appropriate U.S. EPA Section 608 certification (Type 1, 2, 3 or Universal, under 40 CFR Part 82.161) for the type of equipment you will be salvaging. Those salvaging ONLY small appliances (holding less than 5 lbs. refrigerant) can become certified through mail-in tests provided by several locations in the EPA website listing below. You may also hold the Wisconsin Department of Commerce "refrigerant handlers credential" provided under Ch. COMM 5, Wis. Adm. Code

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10. What refrigerant recovery equipment is approved for use in this program?

Chapter NR 488, Wis. Adm. Code, requires that recovery equipment must be capable of recovering at least 90% of remaining refrigerant and be tested by a nationally recognized laboratory for safety and recovery efficiency. All equipment on the market should meet the U.S. EPA standards, and then it is also acceptable for use under these regulations. Look for labeling on the equipment that states it has been tested by a recognized national testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Lab (UL). The equipment may also be labeled as "meeting US EPA requirements."

Recovery equipment approved by the Department of Agriculture, Trade & Consumer Protection under ch. ATCP 136 or by the Department of Commerce under ch. COMM 5 is considered approved under this regulation.

EPA has approved both the Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Institute (ARI) [exit DNR] and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) [exit DNR] to certify recycling and recovery equipment. Lists of certified equipment may be obtained by contacting ARI at 703-524-8800 and UL at 708-272-8800 ext. 42371.

EPA listing of equipment approved for recovering refrigerants from motor vehicle air-conditioners:
Section 609 Approved Equipment [exit DNR]

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11. What kind of records do I need to keep concerning my refrigerant recovery activities?

Persons who salvage or dismantle refrigeration equipment must keep certain records for 3 years and make them available to DNR on request. The 5 types of records are:

a. A training certificate for each individual certified to operate approved refrigerant recovery equipment.

b. The brand, model number and serial number of each piece of approved refrigerant recovery equipment used for refrigerant recovery.

c. The type and quantity of equipment, the serial number or other identification number of each individual unit of refrigeration equipment salvaged or dismantled, and the date that the person either recovers the regulated refrigerant from that unit or determines that no regulated refrigerant remained in that unit. Examples of records suitable to identify individual units of refrigeration equipment include make, model and vehicle identification number (VIN) for vehicles with air conditioning, and numbering or marking which uniquely identifies each unit of refrigeration equipment salvaged or dismantled.

This document provides suggested procedures and formats for keeping these records:
Recording Refrigerant Recovery from Salvaged Items - Suggested Forms (PDF)

d. Records regarding the repair and maintenance of approved refrigerant recovery equipment, including date and nature of each repair or maintenance action.

e. A copy of the "documentation of refrigerant recovery" you have supplied to whoever receives the equipment for metal recycling or disposal. (See FAQ #12)

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12. How do I provide DOCUMENTATION OF REFRIGERANT RECOVERY to those receiving the salvaged refrigeration equipment?

Under state and federal law, anyone supplying salvaged equipment that once contained regulated refrigerants to a scrap metal processor must supply a document verifying that any remaining refrigerant has been properly removed. When several persons are handling the scrap before it goes to a scrap processor, the documentation should be made at each step to whoever receives the equipment and will further prepare/deliver it for scrap. This can be a scrap metal hauling company, a salvage yard or the final scrap metal processor. These companies require proof that they are handling refrigerant-free scrap and will usually provide you with a form or letter they have prepared for you to supply this documentation of refrigerant recovery.

Both the provider and recipient of this documentation must retain this document for three years, or for as long as it is valid.

Documentation of Refrigerant Removal - Sample Form (PDF) [revised 11/09]

SOME SCRAP PROCESSORS RECOVER REFRIGERANT: State and federal laws allow scrap processors to remove refrigerants from items after they are delivered to the processor. In this case, the processor must comply with the Chapter NR 488 requirements, as well as provide a document to the supplier of these items stating that the processor takes responsibility for removing refrigerants. A few scrap processors in the state have set up to recover refrigerants from auto air-conditioners or appliances as a service to their scrap suppliers.

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13. What is "SAFE TRANSPORT" of salvaged refrigeration equipment?

Careless practices for handling salvaged refrigeration equipment have sometimes ruptured the coolant system, releasing refrigerants into the environment. Since 1990, Wisconsin law has prohibited these refrigerant releases.

Salvagers may no longer user methods such as collecting appliances loose with other salvaged metals in compacting garbage trucks or by "throwing them on the truck". No particular method is prescribed, but using lift-gate trucks, trailers with ramps, or loading docks, or securing appliances upright in roll-off boxes can provide the needed safety. Common sense and concern for worker safety are good guidelines to follow.

ANNUAL CERTIFICATION REQUIRED: State law requires that anyone transporting salvaged refrigeration equipment must certify annually to the DNR that they will transport items in a manner that prevents refrigerant releases. Those who typically must make this "Safe Transport" certification are waste haulers, community recycling programs, appliance salvage businesses and others who transport salvaged equipment before recovering the refrigerants. See FAQ #14.

Individuals hauling their own personal refrigeration equipment to salvage (e.g., refrigerated appliances) are exempt from the requirement to certify safe transport, but are still prohibited from releasing regulated refrigerants.

Anyone transporting a vehicle for the purposes of salvaging or dismantling is exempt from certifying safe transport, as long as they do it in a manner that will not interfere with the air-conditioning or refrigeration equipment of the vehicle. Appropriate methods include transporting vehicles on their own wheels, by tow trucks or secured on a vehicle specifically designed to transport motor vehicles.

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14. How does my facility CERTIFY SAFE TRANSPORT OF APPLIANCES to the DNR?

If your facility transports equipment that may still contain regulated refrigerants, for the purpose of salvaging those units, you must transport them in a manner which does not release the refrigerants, and certify this "Safe Transport" annually to the DNR.

To make the required certification, you must complete and submit Form 4500-130, "Certification for Safe Transport of Refrigeration Equipment" annually, along with a $75 fee, plus $25 for each vehicle expected to be used for safe transport during the coming year. The $75 fee is waived for those registered to recover refrigerants from salvaged equipment, as described above.

Your facility must also submit Form 9400-568, Social Security Number/FEIN Collection Request, and must not be delinquent on state taxes to qualify for this registration.

Registration forms: View and print both of the required forms together as one document:

Form 4500-130, Certification for Safe Transport of Refrigeration Equipment
Form 9400-568, Social Security Number/FEIN Collection Request (PDF)

This is an annual registration, and the DNR will send you a completed renewal form in the month before your registration expires. You simply make any corrections or additions, sign, and mail back with the required fee.

You will receive a receipt for this certification and fee. The receipt must be retained at your office or facility. A copy of the receipt must be placed in each vehicle used for safe transport, and must be presented to DNR personnel on request. This certification must be renewed annually if you continue safe transport activities. You will be sent a renewal form prior to the expiration date.

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15. What can I do with the used refrigerants I recover from salvaged equipment?

Used refrigerants should be stored in U.S. Department of Transportation-approved tanks with refrigerant-specific coloring and connections and marked with the type of used refrigerant contained.

RECORDS REQUIRED: Businesses selling or purchasing used refrigerants must keep records, such as sales receipts or invoices, of all refrigerants sales and purchases. The records must show the (1) date of sale or purchase, (2) name and business address of buyer and seller, and (3) the type and amount of refrigerant sold or purchased. Records must be kept a minimum of two years.

Used refrigerants recovered from salvaged motor vehicle air conditioners (MVACs) may be sold to federally certified MVAC technicians for recharging MVACs. Ask to see proof of the buyer's federal MVAC (Section 609) technician certification. These refrigerants must be recycled to industry standards before reuse in motor vehicles, and cannot be used in non-vehicle applications. In Wisconsin, this used refrigerant is restricted to MVAC repair businesses, registered with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Obtain a copy of the buyer's current DATCP business registration.

Used refrigerants from MVACs may also be sold to U.S EPA-approved facilities which reclaim the refrigerants to original purity specifications (i.e., cleaned to the ARI 700 standard of purity and chemically analyzed to verify that it meets this standard) before they are resold.

Used refrigerants recovered from "stationary" equipment can be returned to the same system or other systems owned by the same person without restriction. If refrigerant changes ownership, however, that refrigerant must be reclaimed to original purity specifications (i.e., cleaned to the ARI 700 standard of purity and chemically analyzed to verify that it meets this standard) before resale. Reclamation of used refrigerant by an EPA-certified reclaimer is required in order to sell used refrigerant not originating from and intended for use with motor vehicle air conditioners. HVAC supply houses and refrigerant consolidation services can also purchase the refrigerant and send it to the reclaimer.

Here are the Wisconsin regulations regarding the sale of refrigerants used in vehicle air conditioners:

Chapter ATCP 136, Wis. Admin. Code [exit DNR]

Here is a good summary of the U.S. EPA requirements for sale of refrigerants:

Refrigerant sales fact sheets [exit DNR]

Here are U.S. EPA recommendations on how to identify, recover and dispose of contaminated refrigerants.

"Handling Contaminated and Unfamiliar Automotive Refrigerants" [exit DNR]

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16. What does it mean to RECOVER, RECYCLE or RECLAIM refrigerants?

RECOVER: To simply remove refrigerants from equipment and place them in a storage tank without testing or processing in any way. Salvage operations usually only need to obtain refrigerant recovery equipment and tanks to handle the types of refrigerants they will encounter. (Means TRANSFER, MOVE TO CONTAINER)

RECYCLE means to use a machine to remove impurities and oil in order to prepare the refrigerant for recharge into either the same piece of equipment or a different piece. Recycled refrigerant is not as pure as reclaimed refrigerant. Recycling usually occurs in the service shop. (Means CLEAN UP TO STANDARDS FOR REUSE, usually in vehicle air-conditioners)

RECLAIM means to reprocess refrigerant into new product specifications. Chemical analysis of the refrigerant is required to determine that the appropriate product specifications are met. Reclamation cannot be performed in the service shop. Rather, the shop sends refrigerant either back to the manufacturer or directly to a reclamation facility, often through a supply house or refrigerant consolidation company. The reclamation facilities must be approved by the U.S. EPA. (Means PURIFY TO ORIGINAL PRODUCT STANDARDS FOR RESALE)

List of EPA-Certified Refrigerant Reclaimers [exit DNR]

17. What are the penalties for not complying with the Chapter NR 488 regulations?

The DNR can issue a citation of $100 to $1000 for each action in violation of these provisions, including:

  • Releasing regulated refrigerants during salvaging, dismantling or hauling equipment.
  • Not being registered with DNR to recover regulated refrigerants from salvaged or dismantled equipment.
  • Salvaging or dismantling equipment without using approved refrigerant recovery equipment.
  • Salvaging or dismantling by unqualified individuals
    • .
  • Transporting refrigeration equipment meant for salvage without certifying Safe Transport to the DNR
    • .
  • Not providing documentation of refrigerant recovery to scrap metal processors.

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18. Who do I contact for more information on refrigerant regulations?

For questions on these regulations contact:

Lance Green, Refrigerant Recovery Program Coordinator
WDNR, AM/7
PO Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707-7921
Phone 608-264-6049
Email Lance.Green@wisconsin.gov

To print out a flyer generally describing NR 488 requirements: Wisconsin Laws Concerning Regulated Refrigerants and Salvaging Operations (PDF)

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Refrigerant Recovery Program
Last Reviewed: October 3, 2006
Next Review: October 3, 2007
Last Revised: Friday November 20 2009