Responsible Appliance
, Disposal Program
'.RAD
Recover
Recycle
Reclaim
2009 Annual Report
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Recover Recycle Reclaim
EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program is a voluntary partnership program
that began in October 2006 to help protect the ozone layer and reduce emissions of
greenhouse gases. The RAD Program recognizes partners that ensure the disposal of
refrigerant-containing appliances using the best environmental practices available. The
RAD Program invites utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state and local governments,
universities, and other qualifying organizations to become partners.
Responsible Appliance
k.r Disposal Program
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Overview
Through the RAD Program, partners reduce emissions of
ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and greenhouse gases
(GHGs) by recovering appliance foam and refrigerant.They
also prevent the release of hazardous materials, as well as
save landfill space and energy by recycling durable materials
(eliminating the need to produce virgin materials). RAD
partners achieve these benefits by using best practices to
dispose of appliances; namely, they ensure that:
• Refrigerant is recovered and reclaimed or destroyed;
• Insulation foam is recovered and destroyed, or the blowing agent is
recovered and reclaimed;
• Metals, plastic, and glass are recycled; and
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and used oil are recovered
and properly disposed of.
In addition, certain RAD partners also reduce energy consumption by
encouraging appliance owners to permanently retire old, inefficient units.
For example, many utility partners offer a monetary reward for the pick-up
of old, working refrigerators.
This annual report presents the RAD Program environmental benefits for 2009.
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The Need for the RAD Program
EPA estimates that 9 million refrigerators and freezers,
4.5 million window air-conditioning units, and 800 thousand
dehumidifiers were disposed of in the United States in 2009.
Because these appliances contain ozone-depleting substances (ODS),
greenhouse gases (GHGs), hazardous substances, and recyclable materials,
their proper disposal is critical for environmental and human health. Prior to
disposal or recycling of appliances, federal law requires that (1) all refrigerant
be recovered, and (2) universal waste (e.g., mercury), used oil, and PCBs be
properly managed and stored. However, the laws do not require the recovery
of appliance foam, which represents a significant source of ODS and GHG
emissions.
Characteristics of Gases Used as Refrigerants and
Foam-Blowing Agents in Appliances Reaching End-of-Life
„ . Global Warming Ozone Depletion Predominant Use
! ': Potential (GWP)* Potential (OOP) in Appliances
CFC-11
CFC-12
HCFC-22
HCFC-141b
HFC-134a
4,750
10,900
1,810
725
1,430
1
1
0.055
0.11
0
Foam
Refrigerant
Refrigerant
Foam
Refrigerant
* GWP calculations are based on the 100-year direct GWPs provided in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
Fourth Assessment Report (2007). GWP values are relative to C02, which has a GWP of 1.
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RAD Partners
Twenty-three partners reported their accomplishments
for the RAD Program from January 1, 2009 through
December 31, 2009:
American Electric Power (OH)
Austin Energy (TX)
Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (MD)
City of Burbank Water & Power (CA)
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CA)
Commonwealth Edison (IL)
Dayton Power & Light Company (OH)
City of Fort Collins Utilities (CO)
Energy Trust of Oregon (OR)
Georgia Power (GA)
Nebraska Public Power District (NE)
NV Energy (NV)
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (CA)
PacifiCorp (ID, UT, WA)
PNM (NM)
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (CA)
Salt River Project (AZ)
San Diego Gas & Electric (CA)
Sears Home Services (Nationwide)
Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1 (WA)
Southern California Edison (CA)
Wisconsin Public Service (Wl)
WPPI Energy (Wl)
Program Growth
In the RAD Program's first three years, it
has grown from having nine to 23 partners.
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2007
2008
2009
2009 Reporting Partners
2008 Reporting Partners
2007 Reporting Partners
?ars Holdings' participation in EPA's RAD
Program is a demonstration of our commitment
to the environment and our customers. Sears
Home Services has long been a champion of
energy-efficient appliances and we're proud to
be a RAD partner and prornpte_both responsible
appliance use and disposi.
- Stu Reed, SVP & President, Sears Home Services
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Total Number of Refrigerant-
Containing Appliances Processed
by RAD Partners, 2007-2009
2007
2008
2009
Results
In 2009, the RAD Program's 23 partners collected and
processed a total of 682,298 refrigerant-containing appliances,
including:
• 644,751 refrigerators
• 35,356 stand-alone freezers
• 2,136 window air-conditioning units
• 55 dehumidifiers
By disposing of these units using the best available practices, RAD partners
have helped protect the ozone layer, reduce GHG emissions, reduce energy
use, and increase recycling. The benefits of these practices are described in the
following pages.
'^E has been a proud RAD partner since
+007. With each passing year, we've expanded
our appliance recycling program to help our
customers save even more energy and money,
while protecting the environmei
-Tom Schober,
Southern California Edison ARP Program Manager
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Savings Around the Nation
In 2009, the RAD Program's
22 utility partners offered
responsible appliance disposal
services to households across
16 states.*
States with Participating Utilities
States without Participating Utilities
In 2009, appliance recycling programs operated by the 22 RAD utility partners covered a
territory of 26 million households, representing approximately 23% of U.S. households.
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Recover Recycle Reclaim
Stratospheric Ozone Benefits
Typical Emissions of ODS
Avoided by Proper Disposal of
Older Refrigerators*
Significant ozone benefits are realized
through the recovery of foam, as more
than twice as much ODS foam-blowing
agent is recoverable as ODS refrigerant.
Foam
Recovery
66%
Refrigerant
Recovery
34%
RAD partners not only reduce emissions of ODS by
recovering and reclaiming or destroying refrigerant, but they
recover and reclaim or destroy foam-blowing agents, which
also deplete the ozone layer.
Partners recover foam from appliances manually or by using an automated
system, and then reclaim or destroy the blowing agent. Foam destruction
is typically performed using municipal solid waste incinerators (e.g., waste-
to-energy facilities) or rotary kiln incinerators. On average, utility partners
recovered 0.46 Ib. of refrigerant and 1.0 Ib. of foam-blowing agent from each
refrigerator/freezer. Across all equipment types, RAD partners recovered a
total of 156,418 Ibs. of CFC and HCFC refrigerant, and 224,029 Ibs. of CFC and
HCFC foam-blowing agent. By avoiding the release of this refrigerant and foam-
blowing agent into the environment, an estimated 4,034 pounds of ODS
(148 OOP-weighted metric tons) were avoided during 2009.
Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents
Reclaimed or Destroyed by RAD Partners in 2009
200,000
' Older refrigerators are assumed to be those manufactured prior
to 1995, which contain CFC refrigerant and blowing agent.
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The Importance of Stratospheric
Ozone Protection
Since the appearance of an ozone hole over the Antarctic in
the early 1980s, Americans have become more aware of the
health threats posed by ozone depletion, which decreases
our atmosphere's natural protection from the sun's harmful
ultraviolet (UV) rays.
The depletion of stratospheric ozone, caused by the release of man-made
ODS—such as CFCs and HCFCs—has led to significant increases in UV
reaching the Earth's surface, which in turn has been linked to several major
human health problems, including:
• Skin cancer: melanoma, basal cell
carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma
• Eye damage: cataracts, pterygium,
degeneration of the macula,
squamous cell cancer of the cornea,
conjunctiva
• Other skin problems: sunburn,
premature aging, actinic keratoses
• Immune suppression: reduced
resistance to infectious diseases and
skin tumors, diminished effectiveness
of vaccines
To reverse stratospheric ozone depletion
and its associated health effects, the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that
Deplete the Ozone Layer was signed
in 1987 to phase out production of
ODS. The Protocol has been ratified by
196 states and will result in significant
ozone recovery in the 21st century,
assuming that countries comply with its
provisions. The most recent scientific
projections (from 2006) estimate that
the Antarctic ozone concentrations
will return to pre-1980 levels around
2060-2075, which is 10-25 years later
than previous recovery estimates. The
delayed recovery is mostly due to larger
than predicted use of ODS in developing
countries and changing wind patterns.
By responsibly recovering refrigerant and
foam-blowing agents from appliances,
RAD partners are doing their part to help
restore the stratospheric ozone layer and
prevent unwanted human health effects.
The largest ozone hole observed. September 24, 2006.
Photo Credit: National Aeronautics and Space Administration,
2006. Available at http://ozonewatch.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.html
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Recover Recycle Reclaim
Climate Benefits
RAD partners disposed of
682,298 appliances in 2009; this
resulted in 1.41 MMTC02e* GHG
emission reductions, equivalent
to approximately:
Source: EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator.
Available at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-
resources/calculator.html.
*This does not include GHG emission reductions
associated with early appliance retirement.
CFCs, HCFCs, and MFCs contained in appliances are all
potent GHGs.
In fact, these refrigerants and blowing agents have direct global warming potentials
(GWPs) up to 10,900—meaning that they are up to 10,900 times more effective
at damaging the climate system than carbon dioxide (C02) on an equal mass basis.
Therefore, recovering these compounds, even in small quantities, can result in
significant climate benefits. In addition, the recycling of durable materials from
appliances prevents indirect GHG emissions associated with the generation of
electricity, which would have otherwise been needed to produce virgin materials.
During 2009, RAD partners achieved the reduction of 1.41 million metric tons
of carbon dioxide equivalent (MMTC02e), which is equivalent to approximately
269,165 passenger car emissions for one year. Of this, 62% can be attributed
to reclaiming or destroying refrigerant, 27% to reclaiming or destroying foam-
blowing agents, and 11% to recycling durable materials. Additional climate
benefits are realized through energy savings detailed on the next page.
GHG Emissions Avoided by Responsible Appliance Disposal
Ferrous Metal
Recycling
5%
Other Durable
Materials Recycling
6%
Foam
Recovery
27%
Refrigerant
Recovery
62%
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Energy Savings
For utilities, appliance recycling programs can be an
important component of a successful Demand Side
Management program.
Replacing old, inefficient refrigerated appliances reduces the amount of
electricity needed to power them and, therefore, the amount of indirect
GHG emissions released. In 2009, appliance recycling programs operated
by the 22 RAD utility partners covered a territory of 26.4 million households,
representing approximately 23% of U.S. households. In total, RAD utility
partners reduced energy use by more than 2.7 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) by
removing old refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and dehumidifiers from
the grid. These energy savings translate to climate benefits of approximately
1.94 MMTC02e, and are estimated to have saved consumers $320 million.
• Replacing an inefficient, approximately 20-year-old
refrigerator with one that has earned the government's
ENERGY STAR® label will save a household roughly
500 kWh/year or more—or about $50/year. *
• If a secondary refrigerator (e.g., in a basement or
garage) is removed and not replaced, households can
save over 1,000 kWh/year, or roughly $100/year.
* Actual energy and costs savings will vary by equipment model and region.
These estimates are conservative and are based on national averages
(Energy Star 2010 Databook).
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Recover Recycle Reclaim
Metal, Plastic, and Glass
Casing/Refrigerator Shell
140 Ibs. Metal
20 Ibs. Plastic
3 Ibs. Glass
CFC-11
Foam Insulation
1.0 Ib.
Used Oil
(May be contaminated)
0.5 Ib.
Mercury Containing
Components
0.003 Ib.
CFC-12
Refrigerant
0.5 Ib.
PCBs
(May be contained
in capacitor)
Small Quantities
Other Environmental Benefits
In 2009, RAD partners further protected the
environment by keeping recyclable materials out of
landfills and ensuring the proper handling of hazardous
waste, as shown below.
Materials prevented from going to a landfill:
• 77.7 million pounds of ferrous metals
• 16.1 million pounds of non-ferrous metals
• 13.6 million pounds of plastic
• 1.8 million pounds of glass
Toxic or hazardous materials properly handled:
• 0.05 million gallons of used oil
• 0.2 million pounds of PCB-containing capacitors
• 1,636 pounds of mercury-containing components
If released into the environment, used oil can leak into groundwater
and major waterways and pollute drinking water sources. In addition
to used oil, appliances may contain toxic chemicals and heavy
metals—namely PCBs from capacitors and mercury from thermostatic
switches. PCBs are regulated by EPA as toxic substances; they may
cause cancer and liver damage, and can have negative impacts on
the neurological development of children, the human reproductive
system, the immune system, and the endocrine system. Mercury is
toxic and causes a variety of adverse health effects, including tremors,
headaches, respiratory failure, reproductive and developmental
abnormalities, and potentially, cancers.
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Increasing Program Benefits
Over Time
In 2007, nine RAD partners recovered 63,436 pounds of
refrigerant and 147,740 pounds of foam-blowing agent.
Since then, the program has expanded to 23 partners, who
recovered 337,764 pounds of refrigerant and 224,029 pounds
of foam-blowing agent.
As the program matures, the relative number of units collected with CFC-based
refrigerant and foam is decreasing, while the number with HFC refrigerant and
HCFC-based foam is increasing; this trend will continue into the future, until
the full fleet of older CFC units reaches retirement.
Refrigerant and Foam-Blowing Agent Reclaimed or
Destroyed by RAD Partners, 2007-2009
400,000
2007
HFC-134a
HCFC-22
CFC-12
2008
Refrigerant
2009
2007 2008 2009
Foam-Blowing Agent
• HCFC-141b
• CFC-11
GHG Emissions Avoided through
Proper Appliance Disposal by
RAD Partners
2007
2008
2009
Foam Recovery
Refrigerant Recovery
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Recover Recycle Reclaim
>artner
Recognition
In return for their efforts,
RAD partners receive public
recognition and technical
support from the U.S. EPA.
For example, EPA has issued several
press releases publicly recognizing new
partners. All partners are listed on the
RAD website. Partners are also given
the opportunity to provide case studies
of their programs to showcase on the
RAD website. In addition, partners may
use the RAD logo on their websites
and other outreach materials.
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Fort Collins
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GEORGIA
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Nebraska Public Power District
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A MIDAMERICAN ENERGY HOLDINGS COMPANY
SNOHOMISH COUNTY
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The Power To Do More.5*1
Delivering more than power.™
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SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
EDISON
An EDISON INTERNATIONAL® Company
WPPI energy
The way energy should be
Wisconsin Public Service
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Maximizing RAD Benefits:
The Opportunity Is Now!
Of all refrigerant-containing appliances, those that contain
CFC refrigerant and/or foam pose the greatest threats to the
stratospheric ozone layer and climate system.
Therefore, it is critical that efforts to properly dispose of appliances be
undertaken today, before the full stock of CFC appliances is retired, and this
opportunity to avoid harmful emissions is lost.
Ensuring the proper disposal of older appliances through the RAD Program is
a priority, but the importance of the program will continue for years to come.
Even new units being produced today contain high-GWP refrigerants and foam-
blowing agents that will lead to increased concentrations of GHGs if they are
not properly handled at end-of-life.
To learn more, contact:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Stratospheric Protection Division
U.S. EPA(6205J)
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20460
Tel: 1-800-296-1996
www.epa.gov/0zone/partnerships/rad/
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