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The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program is a
partnership launched in October 2006 to protect the ozone layer, reduce emissions of greenhouse gases,
and benefit communities. The RAD Program recognizes partners that ensure the disposal of refrigerant-
containing appliances by using the best environmental practices available. The RAD Program invites utilities,
retailers, manufacturers, local governments, universities, and other qualifying organizations to become
partners. The RAD Program also invites states to become RAD affiliates to promote the program to potential
partners and increase environmental benefits for their states and communities.
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Appliance Disposal: The RAD Way
In 2012, an estimated 10.4 million refrigerators/freezers, 6.5 million window air conditioning units, and 806,000 dehumidifiers were
disposed of in the United States. These units contain ozone-depleting substances (CDS), greenhouse gases (GHGs), hazardous
substances, and recyclable materials.
Federal law requires refrigerant recovery and proper management and storage of universal waste (e.g., mercury), used oil, and polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) prior to appliance disposal or recycling. However, federal law does not require the recovery of appliance foam, which is also a source
of ODS and GHG emissions. Unfortunately, options for proper disposal may be limited, and up to 25% of disposed refrigerators/freezers are resold onto
the secondary market.* The continued use of older, less efficient models puts a strain on energy demand.
Through the RAD Program, partners reduce emissions of ODS and GHGs by ensuring the proper recovery of both refrigerant and foam from end-of-life
appliances. They also save landfill space and reduce energy consumption by ensuring the recycling of durable materials, and keep communities clean by
preventing appliance dumping and the release of hazardous/toxic materials. Some RAD partners further reduce energy consumption by encouraging
appliance owners to permanently retire old, inefficient units. RAD partners achieve these benefits by collecting old refrigerant-containing appliances
from consumers and responsibly disposing of them with the help of an appliance recycler who uses best environmental practices (see figure below).
This annual report presents RAD partners' environmental achievements for 2012.
RAD PARTNERS
Retailers
Utilities
Local Governments
Manufacturers
Other
APPLIANCE RECYCLERS
Foam-
Refrigerant
-c
•Reclamation
• Destruction
Reclamation
Destruction
Metals, Plastics,
Glass
PCBs, Used Oil,
Mercury
• Recycling
.Proper
Disposal
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 1
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Program Growth
RAD has grown significantly over the past six
years. In the last year alone, RAD expanded
from 44 to 50 partners and affiliates.
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Manufacturer Partners • Retail Partners
State Affiliates • Utility Partners
RAD Partners and Affiliates
Fourty-eight partners and two affiliates reported their accomplishments for the RAD
Program from January 1, 2012, through December 31, 2012:
American Electric Power (OH)
Appliance Smart (Nationwide)
Arizona Public Service (AZ)
Austin Energy (TX)
Avista Utilities (WA)
Baltimore Gas & Electric Company (MD)
Best Buy (Nationwide)
Cape Light Compact (MA)
City of Burbank Water & Power (CA)
City of Fort Collins Utilities (CO)
City of Lodi Electric Utility (CA)
City of Palo Alto Utilities (CA)
City of Richland Energy Services (WA)
City of Riverside Public Utilities (CA)
Commonwealth Edison (IL)
Consumers Energy (Ml)
Dayton Power & Light Company (OH)
Energy Trust of Oregon (OR)
GE Appliances (Nationwide)
Georgia Power (GA)
Great River Energy (MN)
The Home Depot (Nationwide)
Hoosier Energy (IN)
Idaho Power (ID)
Indiana Michigan Power (IN, Ml)
Long Island Power Authority (NY)
Los Angeles Department of Water and
Power (CA)
MidAmerican Energy (IA, IL, NE, SD)
National Grid (MA, NH, NY, Rl)
Nebraska Public Power District (NE)
New York State Energy Research &
Development Authority (NY)
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (IN)
NSTAR (MA)
NV Energy (NV)
Pacific Gas & Electric Company (CA)
PacifiCorp (CA, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA, WY)
PNM (NM)
Puget Sound Energy (WA)
Roseville Electric (CA)
Sacramento Municipal Utility District (CA)
Salt River Project Power and Water (AZ)
San Diego Gas & Electric (CA)
Sears Home Services (Nationwide)
Silicon Valley Power (CA)
Snohomish Public Utility District No.l (WA)
Southern California Edison (CA)
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (MD)
Vectren Energy Delivery (IN, OH)
West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection (WV)
WPPI Energy (IA, Ml, Wl)
2 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report
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EPA's Pacific Southwest Region Administrator, Jared Blumenfeld
(second from right), celebrates the crushing of SCE's one
millionth refrigerator with representatives from SCE and the
Natural Resources Defense Council.
One In A Million
,0 • ••
J
You're one in a million.
And maybe your
refrigerator is too.
Founding RAD Partner Southern
California Edison Celebrates
One Million Refrigerators
In 2012, RAD partner Southern California Edison (SCE) celebrated an
unprecedented milestone: the safe disposal of its one millionth refrigerator!
The utility has been recycling refrigerators for 18 years and was one of the first RAD
partners in 2006.
Properly disposing this volume of refrigerators-enough to fill a football stadium-has
resulted in significant environmental benefits, namely:
• Avoided emissions of 177,000 Ibs of CDS
• Avoided GHG emissions of nearly 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide
equivalent (MMTC02eq)
• Energy savings of 7.9 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh)
The energy savings translate to $1 billion in saved costs for consumers.
To celebrate the milestone with their customers, the utility held a sweepstakes and
gave away a new ENERGY STAR®-qualified refrigerator.
SCE continues to engage their customers and ensure ongoing environmental
protection and financial savings by promoting their appliance recycling program
through retail stores, as well as social media. Under the program, the utility offers
free pick-up and a $35 incentive for customers to recycle old refrigerators.
ff
After many years of recycling fridges and freezers for households in our region,
we're the first utility in the U.S. to hit the one million mark. We're very proud of this
milestone and even more proud of the impact it has had on our customers and our
communities.
Erwin Furukawa, SVP, Customer Service
Southern California Edison
4 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Foam Recovery Technologies
If foam were recovered from all refrigerators and freezers disposed in the United States
using advanced foam recovery technologies, approximately 7 MMTC02eq would be
avoided per year—equivalent to the annual emissions of 1.5 million cars.*
When appliances are disposed in the United States, the insulating foam, along with the whole
appliance shell, is typically cut into pieces by auto shredders and then sent to landfills. This
process releases the chemicals used to make the foam into the environment, which contributes
to climate change and may harm the ozone layer. To protect the environment, RAD partners
voluntarily prevent these emissions of ODS and GHGs with the help of appliance recyclers by
handling the foam using best environmental practices and technologies. These practices and
technologies include:
• Manual foam recovery is performed using saws to cut through appliances and expose
the foam, which is then scraped apart, bagged, and sent for destruction in waste-to-
energy (WTE) boilers.
• Semi-automated foam recovery is similar to manual recovery in that saws are used to
cut appliances and remove insulating foam by scraping; however, the foam is then put
into an automated, pressurized system, which captures the blowing agent as a gas and
condenses it into a liquid for collection and safe destruction off-site (typically in a WTE
boiler or rotary kiln). The residual foam "fluff" can be used as a landfill cover or burned
for fuel.
• Fully automated foam recovery involves the shredding of appliance foam together with
the whole appliance in a fully enclosed automated system that separates the blowing
agent and other durable components. Similar to the semi-automated process, captured
liquid blowing agent is sent off-site for destruction, while the foam fluff is used as a
landfill cover or for fuel. In 2011, GE Appliances became the first RAD partner to send
used appliances to the fully automated UNTHA Recycling Technology (URT) system at
ARCA's Advanced Processing (AAP) facility in Pennyslvania.
Since the launch of the RAD program in 2006, there has been growing momentum towards
the use of foam recovery technologies across the United States, with more than 35 facilities
now in use and additional facilities expected to come on line in the near future.
Bags of foam following manual recovery, awaiting destruction at the
JACO Environmental, Inc. facility in Fullerton, CA.
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report
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Refrigerators awaiting transport to a JACO appliance recycling facility that
services RAD partner, National Grid.
ff
We are honored to be the RAD Program's
50th partner, joining the nation's leading
utilities, retailers, and manufacturers
in raising the bar for safe appliance
disposal. RAD is the perfect complement
to our Low Income Refrigerator
Exchange Program, allowing us to offer
our qualifying customers new, energy
efficient appliances free of charge, while
guaranteeing that their old units will be
disposed of using the best environmental
practices. It's a win- win for our customers
and the environment.
David Jacot, Director of Energy Efficiency,
Los Angeles Department of Power
and Water
Results
In 2012, RAD's 48 partners collected and processed a total of 886,677
refrigerant-containing appliances, including:
* 794,113 refrigerators
• 84,063 stand-alone freezers
• 7,321 window air conditioning units
• 1,180 dehumidifiers
By disposing these units using the best available practices, RAD partners have helped
protect the ozone layer, reduced GHG emissions, reduced energy use, and increased
recycling. The environmental benefits are described in the following pages.
Number of Refrigerant-Containing Appliances Processed by RAD Partners,
2007-2012
2007 2008 2009
• Dehumidifiers
Air Conditioning Units
2010
2011
Stand-Alone Freezers
Refrigerators
2012
6 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Ozone Layer Recovery: Where Are
We Now?
Emissions of ODS, including chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and
hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), deplete the stratospheric ozone layer, which
filters out dangerous ultraviolet (UV) solar radiation approximately 15 miles above
the Earth's surface.
Significant increases in UV radiation reaching the Earth's surface have been linked to
significant health problems, including:
• Skin cancer (melanoma and non-melanoma)
* Cataracts and other eye damage
• Premature aging of the skin and other skin problems
• Immune system suppression
Because of the damaging effects caused by UV rays, protecting the ozone layer also
protects the health of humans and other living things on the planet.
Beginning in the 1920s, CFCs and later HCFCs were widely used across a range of
applications, including refrigerants and foam blowing agents in refrigerated appliances
and other equipment types. Their harmful effects were discovered during the early
1980s, and their global production and consumption became controlled under the
Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, signed in 1987.
Due to the slow recovery process of stratospheric ozone and the long atmospheric
lifetime of ODS-with CFC-12 lasting 100 years-seasonal ozone holes still gape over
Antarctica (see figure, right).* The ozone layer has gradually been recovering due to
international efforts to end use of ODS, with full recovery expected around the middle
of the century.1
Ozone Hole over Antarctica
100 200 300 400 500 600
Total Ozone (Dobson units)
700
The ozone hole observed over the Antarctic pole during
September 2012. Photo Credit: NASA, 2013.*
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 7
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Characteristics of Gases Used as
Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents in
Appliances Reaching End-of-Life
Compound
Global Ozone
Warming Depletion
Potential Potential
(GWP)* (ODP)t
Predominant
Use in
Appliances
CFC-II
CFC-12
HCFC-22
HCFC-141b
HFC-134a
HFC-245fa
4,750
10,900
1,810
725
1,430
1,030
1
1
0.055
0,11
0
0
Foam
Refrigerant
Foam
Refrigerant
Refrigerant
Foam
*GWP calculations are based on the 100-year direct GWPs provided in
the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment
Report (2007), which are relative to C02.
*ODPs are based on values provided in the Montreal Protocol.
Stratospheric Ozone Benefits
RAD partners reduce ODS emissions by safely recovering refrigerants as
well as foam blowing agents, which also deplete the ozone layer.
Older refrigerated appliances that were manufactured with ODS are being retired
today. On average, partners recovered 0.42 Ib. of refrigerants and 0.93 Ib. of
foam-blowing agents from each refrigerator/freezer. Across all equipment types,
RAD partners recovered a total of 309,100 Ibs. of CFC and HCFC refrigerants,
and 447,200 Ibs. of CFC and HCFC foam-blowing agents, avoiding the release of
274 OOP-weighted metric tons in 2012. In addition to being ODS, refrigerants and
foam-blowing agents also have high GWPs, as shown in the table to the left and
discussed further on the next page.
Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Reclaimed or Destroyed by
RAD Partners in 2012
350,000
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C imate Benefits
CFCs, HCFCs, and hydrofluorocarbons (MFCs) contained in appliances all contribute
to climate change.
These refrigerants and blowing agents are up to 100 to 10,900 times more damaging to
the climate system than C02 on an equal mass basis. In addition to CFCs and HCFCs, RAD
partners prevent the release of MFCs, non-ozone-depleting substances which are also
potent greenhouse gases. Recovering these compounds, even in small quantities, can
result in significant climate benefits. During 2012, RAD partners recovered 72,700 Ibs. of
MFCs. Additional climate benefits are achieved through the recycling of durable materials
from appliances, which prevents indirect GHG emissions associated with the generation of
electricity that would have otherwise been needed to produce virgin materials.
During 2012, RAD partners achieved the reduction of more than 2 MMTC02eq, which is
approximately equivalent to the annual carbon sequestered by U.S. forests spanning 1.9 million
acres-an area larger than the state of Delaware. Of this, 65% can be attributed to reclaiming
or destroying refrigerants, 29% to reclaiming or destroying foam-blowing agents, and 6% to
recycling durable materials. Additional climate benefits are realized through energy savings
detailed on the next page.
GHG Emissions Avoided through Proper Appliance Disposal by RAD Partners
In 2012, RAD partners achieved
climate benefits equivalent to:
2.5
8 2.0
15
<•-''
1.0
0.5 -
Source: EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator. Available
at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/calculator.html.
* This does not include GHG emissions reductions associated
with early appliance retirement.
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
Durable Goods Recycling
Foam Recovery
Refrigerant Recovery
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 9
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Energy Savings
Karen Gaudet won $500 from ARCA in a contest drawing by Austin
Energy for customers who recycled their old, inefficient refrigerators
and freezers.
Getting rid of a 20-year-old
refrigerator could save your
household roughly 1,040
kWh/year-or about
$125/year*
For utilities, appliance recycling programs can be an important component of a
successful demand side management program.
Replacing old, inefficient appliances with new ones reduces the amount of electricity
needed to power them and, therefore, the amount of indirect GHG emissions released.
In 2012, appliance recycling programs operated by the 44 RAD utility partners covered
a territory of 36 million households across 27 states, representing approximately 30% of
U.S. households. The average age of refrigerators collected was over 20 years old. In total,
RAD utility partners reduced energy use by more than 2.6 billion kWh by removing old
refrigerators, stand-alone freezers, window air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers from
the grid. These energy savings translate to climate benefits of nearly 2 MMTC02eq and are
estimated to have saved consumers $313 million.
RAD Utility Partners Across the United States
o
States with RAD Utility Partners
States without RAD Utility Partners
10 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Environmental Benefits for
Communities
In 2012, 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:
• 116.7 million Ibs. of ferrous metals (e.g., steel)
• 5.8 million Ibs. of non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper)
• 21.9 million Ibs. of plastic
• 3.4 million Ibs. of glass
Toxic or hazardous materials properly handled:
• 76,800 gal. of used oil
• 43,600 PCB-containing capacitors
• 3,700 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 effects
on the neurological development of children, as well as the human reproductive,
immune, and endocrine systems. Mercury is toxic and causes a variety of adverse
health effects, including tremors, headaches, respiratory failure, reproductive and
developmental abnormalities, and potentially, cancers.
The local community learns about the importance of proper
refrigerator disposal at the pop-up museum hosted by National
Grid and NSTAR in downtown Boston.
ff
As a customer-owned cooperative, it's important
to us to offer the environmentally safe appliance
disposal services that our community has been asking
for. By joining RAD in 2012, we became the second
RAD utility partner in the Mid-Atlantic region, jj
Jeff Shaw,
Environmental Programs and Energy
Conservation Director, Southern Maryland
Electric Cooperative
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 11
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Increasing Benefits Over Time
In 2007, nine RAD partners recovered 63,400 Ibs. of refrigerants and 147,700 Ibs. of foam-blowing agent. As of 2012, the program has
expanded to 48 partners and 2 state affiliates, who have recovered 381,800 Ibs. of refrigerant and 455,500 Ibs. of foam-blowing agent.
The majority of refrigerant and foam-blowing agents recovered in 2012 were CFCs. This is the result of RAD partners' efforts to target older,
inefficient units. In the coming years, more HFC units will be retired. Proper handling of HFC refrigerants and blowing agents at end-of-life will reduce
GHG emissions.
ff
At GE Appliances, we are committed to minimizing the environmental impact of our appliance products from manufacturing to end-of-life
disposal. We are proud that through our efforts as the first RAD manufacturer, we reduce greenhouse gas emissions through safe handling
of both ODS and HFC foams.
Mark Shirkness, General Manager Distribution Services, GE Appliances
Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Recovered by RAD Partners, 2007-2012
500,000
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000
455,400
412,200
418,300
63,500
• • • • •
2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
Refrigerant
HFC-134a • HCFC-22 • CFC-12
2012
2007 2008 2009 2010
Foam-Blowing Agent
m HFC-245fa HCFC-141b • CFC-
2011
2012
"
12 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Working Toward a Safer Tomorrow
CFC and HCFC refrigerants and foams contained in older appliances can
damage the ozone layer and climate system if not properly recovered at
equipment disposal.
Global production of new appliances is moving towards safer alternatives. But
because appliances last a long time, older appliances being retired today still
contain CFCs and HCFCs. Newer units contain HFC refrigerants and foam-blowing
agents that, while not ozone depleting, can still damage the climate system if not
properly handled at end of life. As RAD partners work to properly recycle appliances
using best environmental practices, the environmental benefits will continue for
years to come.
Fortunately, new technologies and growing capacity for recovering refrigerants and
foams from appliances are increasing the ability to capture harmful substances at
appliance disposal sites nationwide. The RAD Program, its partners, and innovative
recyclers have been critical in this progress. Together, we will continue to build
momentum and keep working towards a safer tomorrow.
To learn more, visit:
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Stratospheric Protection Division
www.epa.gov/rad
San Diego Gas & Electric rolls out its 150,000th appliance for proper disposal at an ARCA
recycling facility.
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report
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