- Are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) collected from refrigeration equipment deemed hazardous waste?
- Does the treatment CFC refrigerants as hazardous waste change handling requirements for refrigerant technicians and wholesalers?
- Do labelling requirements for the disposal of halons in O. Reg. 463/10 apply to designated portable fire extinguishers under the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) Program?
- Are there any programs in place to capture ODS from the foams in old refrigerators in Ontario?
Are chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) collected from refrigeration equipment a hazardous waste?
As of July 1, 2012 CFCs collected from refrigeration equipment will be designated as waste and treated as if it is a hazardous waste as per O. Reg. 347/90. July 1, 2012 is 6 months following the phase out of CFC use in chillers and large refrigeration equipment in Ontario (section 37 (1) 2 of O. Reg. 463/10).
Ontario’s waste regulation (O. Reg. 347/90) includes sections on collecting and transporting Stationary Refrigerant Waste and Mobile Refrigerant Waste (sections 30 to 42).
These sections have been in place since 1990 and were designed to ensure the effective collection of refrigerant waste.
Does the treatment of CFC refrigerants as hazardous waste change handling requirements for refrigerant technicians and wholesalers?
In most cases, the designation of CFC refrigerants as hazardous waste does not change handling requirements for refrigerant technicians and wholesalers. Any person who has CFC refrigerants for disposal must ensure that their collection and disposal is done by a party that has appropriate approvals. These approvals will determine the handling requirements.
Do labelling requirements for the disposal of halons in O. Reg. 463/10 apply to designated portable fire extinguishers under the Municipal Hazardous or Special Waste (MHSW) Program?
No. Halon disposal labelling requirements in O. Reg. 463/10 (section 12 and 39) do not apply to designated fire extinguishers under the MHSW Program. Designated portable fire extinguishers under the MHSW Program include small portable fire extinguishers that contain less than one kilogram of halon. Ontario’s ODS and Other Halocarbons Regulation requires the labelling of portable fire extinguishers that contain three or more kilograms of halon prior to disposal. Designated portable fire extinguishers under the MHSW Program include small portable fire extinguishers that contain less than one kilogram of halon.
Are there any programs in place to capture ODS from the foams in old refrigerators in Ontario?
Yes. There are some programs in Ontario (such as saveONenergy fridge and freezer pick up program from Ontario Power Authority) or municipalities may direct old appliances to recyclers that can capture some of the CFC containing foams. However, there are no requirements to capture ODS from the foams in old refrigerators in Ontario regulations Individuals may wish to contact their municipalities/regions regarding proper disposal for appliances.