How to Dispose of Refrigerant Cylinders

Locate a recycling center in your area that is licensed to dispose of refrigerant cylinders. Check your phone books or perform an Internet search for "refrigerant disposal facilities" in your area.

Transport the entire appliance to the recycling facility. Appliances and equipment that contain refrigerant, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, are not allowed to enter the waste stream until the refrigerant cylinders have been properly removed.

Ask the technician at the recycling facility to inspect the appliance to ensure that the cylinder is intact. If you bring an appliance to the facility without the cylinder intact, you must provide a signed statement that includes the name and address of the person who recovered the refrigerant and the date that the refrigerant was recovered or a copy of a contract stating that the refrigerant will be removed prior to delivery.

Ask the technician at the recycling facility to remove the cylinder according to the legal requirements mandated by the EPA and to dispose the cylinder for you. After the cylinder is removed, if you need to dispose of the appliance at a separate location from the recycling facility, the recycling technician is required to give you a copy of the form that states the refrigerant cylinder was removed and disposed of properly.