EPA Section 608 Universal Certification ExamCoreHard
Under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, what is required before disposing of a household refrigerator?
- AAll refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs) must be recovered.
- BOnly the compressor needs to be removed.
- CThe refrigerant must be recovered, but oil recovery is optional.
- DThe appliance must be degassed, but recovery is not strictly necessary if released slowly.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. All refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs) must be recovered.
The EPA's Section 608 regulations require that all refrigerants (including CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs) be recovered from household refrigerators and other appliances before disposal. This prevents their release into the atmosphere.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Removing the compressor alone does not ensure all refrigerant is recovered.
- C. Oil recovery is not explicitly mandated by Section 608 for disposal, but refrigerant recovery is universal.
- D. Releasing refrigerant, even slowly, is illegal and a violation of Section 608.
Appliance Disposal Regulations
EPA Section 608 mandates the recovery of all regulated refrigerants from appliances before their final disposal.
- Applies to all types of regulated refrigerants (CFC, HCFC, HFC).
- Technicians must be certified to perform recovery.
- Prevents ozone depletion and climate change from refrigerant releases.
- Applies to both small and large appliances.
Memory trick: Dispose of appliances, recover ALL refrigerants.