Appliance Recycling
Since 1993, the recycling of small appliances, motor-vehicle air conditioners (MVACs), and MVAC-like appliances has been subject to the Federal Clean Air Act regulations at 40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F, Recycling and Emissions Reduction.
Regulations Overview
Foremost, under the “venting prohibition” at §82.154(a)(1), it is illegal to “knowingly vent or otherwise release into the environment” chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs; e.g., R-12), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs; e.g., R-22), or their substitutes (e.g., R-134a and R-410A).
Per §82.155(b), recyclers that accept small appliances, MVACs, and MVAC-like appliances for recycling must either: “(1) Recover any remaining refrigerant from the appliance in accordance with” §82.155(a) or “(2) Verify using a signed statement or a contract that all refrigerant that had not leaked previously has been recovered from the appliance or shipment of appliances in accordance with” §82.155(a).
In particular, Option 2, known as verification, has very specific requirements for signed statements and contracts and also for notifying suppliers that refrigerant must be properly recovered per §82.155(a) prior to delivery. “It is a violation of [Subpart F] to accept a signed statement or contract if the person receiving the statement or contract knew or had reason to know that the signed statement or contract is false.“
Since 1993, EPA has interpreted these Subpart F regulations in ways that make compliance challenging, especially concerning non-intact appliances and appliance components. There are certain limited situations in which the Subpart F requirements or regulations do not apply.
The June 2020 compliance document provides a concise review of the essential Subpart F requirements and their applicability, including sample language for signed statements and contracts.
Sustainability & Environmental Compliance
Explore how recycling contributes to environmental stewardship and how ReMA helps recyclers navigate compliance.
Environmental Compliance
Recycled materials provide a renewable, resilient source of raw materials for manufacturing. Like any manufacturer, recycling facilities are subject to a number of regulations. However, because the industry produces specification-grade commodities, some regulatory requirements are unique to the industry. That’s where ReMA comes in with resources for recyclers to help with environmental compliance.
Sustainability
The recycled materials industry is sustainable, protecting the environment. When manufacturers source raw materials for a product, the recycled materials industry provides a more sustainable alternative. Explore recycling’s role in sustainability.
Commodities
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are a big part of life. We help make items that you use and depend on every day. From the wiring and plumbing in your home, to the coffee maker that gets your day started. From the roads, bridges, and highways you travel on, to the schools our children learn in – maybe even the laptop or smartphone you’re reading this on. They all likely contain recycled material.
Support for Recyclers
Additional Resources
Explore our additional resources for valuable insights, tools, and information to support the recycling industry and its professionals.
SREA/Superfund
The Superfund Recycling Equity Act (SREA) was passed into law on November 29, 1999 following six years of intense lobbying and grassroots activity by ReMA and its members. ReMA offers the SREA Reasonable Care Compliance Program to assist recyclers with the defense of a Superfund liability claim.
Superfund
Safety
Members can use the toolkit to learn about the background, concepts, value, and process of Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) strategy and implementation in the recycled materials industry.
Safety
Workforce Management Resources
From early introduction to the work of the recycled materials industry through our partnership with JASON Learning to internships and fellowships for current college students, to highlighting opportunities for entry level and seasoned workers, ReMA’s member workforce development resources have something for everyone.