What must be done before disposing of equipment that contains CFCs, HCFCs, or their substitutes?

• A. Document the disposal with the EPA
• B. Remove and recycle the copper wiring
• C. Recover the refrigerant
• D. Seal the equipment and store indefinitely

Answer: (C)

Refrigerants must be removed from equipment before disposal to prevent their release into the atmosphere. This is required because CFCs, HCFCs, and their substitutes can harm the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. A trained technician uses certified recovery equipment to remove the refrigerant from the unit, and the recovered material is then recycled, reclaimed, or disposed of properly. Simply sealing or storing the equipment won’t remove the refrigerant and could lead to leaks, while other steps like copper-wiring removal aren’t what this disposal rule hinges on or necessary for meeting environmental requirements.