DNR Refrigerant Recovery Program

Overview

In 1990, Wisconsin enacted laws to prohibit the release of certain refrigerants that destroy the earth's stratospheric ozone layer, which protects life from the sun's harmful ultraviolet rays. Since that time, other damaging refrigerants have been added to these regulations.

As refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment is being serviced or disposed, these chemicals must be properly recovered using approved equipment operated by qualified technicians.

The 1990 laws created three regulatory programs housed in three state agencies:

• The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regulates those who transport or salvage any type of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment containing the regulated refrigerants which has been permanently removed from service and is intended for disposal or salvage (see more below).
  Affected facilities include vehicle and appliance salvagers, scrap metal processors, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) businesses that retire refrigeration and air conditioning systems, demolition contractors who arrange for air conditioners or other equipment at demolition sites to be evacuated before demolition, and waste haulers and others who collect discarded refrigerated appliances.
• The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) regulates anyone who services vehicle air-conditioners and refrigerated transport under Ch. ATP 136, Wis. Adm. Code.
  DATCP refrigerant regulatory program [exit DNR]
• The Department of Commerce (COMM) regulates those who install and maintain "stationary" refrigeration and AC equipment under Ch. COMM 5 and 45, Wis. Adm. Codes.
  Commerce refrigerant regulatory program [exit DNR]

Summary of DNR Refrigerant Regulations

Under DNR 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 whole units of any type of refrigeration or air-conditioning equipment. They must be properly recovered, using approved equipment operated by qualified technicians. The facility 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. Anyone hauling equipment that is to be salvaged and still may contain refrigerants must annually certify "Safe Transport" to the Department.

For detailed information and forms to register and keep records, see DNR REFRIGERANT RECOVERY PROGRAM - Frequently Asked Questions.

To print out a flyer generally describing NR 488 requirements: Wisconsin Laws Concerning Regulated Refrigerants and Salvaging Operations [PDF 99KB].

To view and print out lists of facilities that are DNR-registered to recover refrigerants from salvaged equipment or to haul salvaged equipment (e.g. appliances) that may contain refrigerants, see Facilities Registered in the DNR Refrigerant Recovery and Safe Transport Programs.

Wisconsin facilities must also comply with federal refrigerant regulations [exit DNR] under Title VI of the 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments (40 C.F.R. Part 82).

Refrigerant Recovery Program Information

• Frequently Asked Questions and Forms
• Refrigerant Program Factsheet [PDF, 65KB]
• Registered Facilities
• Program Contacts

Resources

• U.S. EPA Sunwise Schools - National K-8 educational program on ozone depletion, UV radiation and safe sun practices [exit DNR]
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ozone depletion homepage [exit DNR]

Other Links

• Air Compliance and Enforcement
• DNR Violation Hotline