Freon and Ozone Depleting Substances Disposal
Ozone depleting substances are group of chemicals that include chlorofluorocarbons-CFC, hydrochlorofluorocarbons-HCFC, and other halogenated chemicals such as halons that are found to contribute stratospheric ozone layer depletion. These chemicals have been demonstrated to be harmful to the stratospheric ozone layer and are regulated under Title VI of Clean Air Act. As a result of this oversight, the EPA has established a national recycling program for these substances when recovered during the servicing and disposal of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment. Several departments on campus have personnel that are trained, equipped, and certified for handling these chemicals.
Ozone depletion occurs when CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorcarbons) are released into the atmosphere. There, the chlorine molecules in CFCs and HCFCs react with the ozone molecules that form a layer that protects the earth from excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Depletion of the ozone layer increases the risks of skin cancer, cataracts, and other adverse health and ecological effects associated with exposure to UV radiation.
Refrigerators or freezers manufactured before 1996 contain CFCs as a refrigerant in the cooling loop and as a blowing agent in the polyurethane foam insulation. After 1996, ozone-friendly refrigerants, typically HFCs , became widely used as CFC substitutes. Units manufactured between 1996 and 2002 used an HCFC blowing agent in the foam. By 2003 all ozone depleting substances in U.S.-manufactured refrigerators or freezers were replaced by non-ozone depleting substances.
For information regarding disposal of old refrigerators and freezers, please see the Environmental Affairs webpage on "Disposal of Refrigerators and Freezers".
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| Empty Drum of CFC 11 | Example of a compressor unit from a water fountain. The freon will be reclaimed before this unit is recycled for scrap metal |
The freon from these compressors was reclaimed and recycled. The metal will also be recycled. |
| This instrument is the freon leak detection device for UWM's chilling system. This device continuously monitors various areas of the plant for freon leaks. Physical Plant personnel also conduct routine leak detection of all chilling system components. |  |
For additional information regarding freon and ozone, contact Environmental Affairs staff at x4999 or x2883 or refer to the following:
- UWM Department of Physical Plant Services Chlorofluorcarbon Policy
- Chlorofluorcarbon Policy (pdf format)
- Chlorofluorcarbon Policy (pdf format)
- EPA's Ozone Depletion Web Area
October 2, 2007 by SAK