NZ goes ahead with refrigerant stewardship scheme
16th June 2026
NEW ZEALAND: The government of New Zealand’s decision to press ahead with a regulated product stewardship scheme for synthetic refrigerants has been described as a key milestone for the environment.
Operation of the product regulation scheme, the second-ever under the country’s waste minimisation act, will fall to the Trust for the Destruction of Synthetic Refrigerants.
It will focus on lifting performance across the sector by supporting better handling, recovery and destruction practices, and by backing the professionalism, capability and credibility of HVACR and automotive practitioners.
As well as taking responsibility for the environmentally damaging gases, the Trust’s chairman Richard Lauder said: “This is also about recognising the professionalism of an industry that wants high standards, clear accountability and a scheme that reflects the essential role it plays in New Zealand’s transition.”
The government is progressing the regulations and the regulated product stewardship scheme is expected to begin before May 2027.
Once regulations are confirmed, the Trust expects to add industry association representatives to its Board.
Formed in 1993 to manage refrigerant gas collection and destruction, the Trust has been operating a voluntary product stewardship scheme since 2010.
Alongside the progress to a regulated scheme, the opening of the country’s National Refrigerant Destruction Facility in March means harmful synthetic refrigerants can be destroyed in New Zealand for the first time – rather than shipping them abroad.
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