AHRI updates cylinder recycling guidelines
2nd July 2016
USA: In the wake of the introduction of flammable refrigerants, the AHRI has published an update to its guidelines for refrigerant container recycling.
AHRI Guideline Q, Content Recovery and Proper Recycling of Refrigerant Cylinders, covers the handling of both refillable cylinders and, in the case of the USA, non-refillable or disposable cylinders. With this update it now includes best practices for end-of-life recycling of flammable refrigerant containers.
“This guideline and the new additions are a critical part of the industry’s plan for the future of refrigerants,” said AHRI president and CEO Stephen Yurek. “As flammable refrigerants are being introduced as low-global warming potential alternatives to refrigerants currently in use, it is critical that industry not only handle these refrigerants safely, but also recycle the containers properly.”
Recommended practices for recycling containers for flammable refrigerants are different from those for non-flammable refrigerants, in that it involves using a non-sparking pick to prepare the container for recycling. As with all AHRI standards and guidelines, Guideline Q is free to download from AHRI’s website.
