I
Responsible Appliance
i. Disposal Program
'.RAD
-------
^
Responsible Appliance
k. Disposal Program
'.RAD
The U.S. Environmental Pro+ec-Hon
Agency's (EPA's) Responsible
Appliance Pisposal (RAP) Program
is a partnership bunched in October 2-OOG +o pro+ec+
+he ozone layer, cu+ greenhouse gas (6rH6r) emissions,
and benefit communities. The RAP Program recognizes
partners +ha+ ensure +he disposal of- re-Prigeran+-
con+aining appliances while using +he bes+ environmen+al
practices available. The RAP Program invi+es u+ili+ies,
re+ailers, manu-Pac+urers, local governments, universities,
and o+her c|uali-Pying organizations +o become par+ners.
The RAP Program also invites s+a+es +o become RAP
a-Pfilia+es +o promote +he program +o po+enfial partners
and increase environmental benefi+s -Por +heir s+a+es
and communities.
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What is RAD?
In 2013, an estimated 11.1 million refrigerators and freezers, 5.6 million window air conditioning units, and 800,000 dehumidifiers were
disposed of in the United States. These units contain ozone-depleting substances (ODS), other GHGs, hazardous substances, and
recyclable materials.
Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires recovery of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant prior to appliance
dismantling or disposal. Federal law also requires 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, or recovery of hydrofluorocarbons (MFCs), which are potent GHGs commonly used in refrigerant-containing appliances.
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 demands more energy from the nation's grid.
The RAD Program is a partnership that protects the ozone layer and cuts emissions of GHGs by working with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state
affiliates, and others to dispose of appliances using environmentally sound practices and technology. RAD partners work with recyclers to ensure 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 2013.
RAD PARTNERS
APPLIANCE RECYCLERS
Reclamation
Destruction
Reclamation
Destruction
* Recycling
^Proper
Disposal
Refrigerant
Metals, Plastics,
Glass
PCBs, Used Oil,
Mercury
*Based on recent studies published by Cadmus Group, Innovologie, NMR Group, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2013 Annual Report 1
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Program Growth
RAD has grown significantly over the
past seven years. In 2013 alone, RAD
expanded from 50 to 54 partners
and affiliates.
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Utility Partners Retailer Partners
State Affiliates Manufacturer Partners
RAD Partners and Affiliates
Fifty-two partners and two state affiliates reported their accomplishments for the
RAD Program from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013:
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 Palo Alto Utilities (CA)
City of Riverside Public Utilities (CA)
Commonwealth Edison (IL)
Consumers Energy (Ml)
Dayton Power & Light Company (OH)
Delmarva Power (DE, MD, VA)
Efficiency Vermont (VT)
Energy Trust of Oregon (OR)
Focus on Energy (Wl)
GE Appliances (Nationwide)
Georgia Power (GA)
The Home Depot (Nationwide)
Hoosier Energy (IN)
Idaho Power (ID)
Indiana Michigan Power (IN, Ml)
Lodi Electric Utility (CA)
Long Island Power Authority (NY)
Los Angeles Department of Water & Power
(CA)
Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities
(KY)
MidAmerican Energy Company (IA, IL, NE, SD)
National Grid (MA, NH, NY, Rl)
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)
Pepco(DC, MD)
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. 1 (WA)
Southern California Edison (CA)
Southern Maryland Electric Cooperative (MD)
UGI Utilities (MD, PA)
Unitil(MA, ME, NH)
Vectren Energy Delivery (IN, OH)
West Virginia Department of Environmental
Protection (WV)
Western Massachusetts Electric Company
(MA)
2 2013 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Recover Recycle Reclaim 2013 Annual Report 3
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RAD Partner Activities
In 2013, RAD partners advanced appliance recycling by participating in
collaborative working groups, webinars, and podcasts to share best practices.
RAD partners also launched innovative promotions and campaigns to raise
consumer awareness about safe appliance disposal.
Innovative RAD Partner Promotions and Campaigns
NSTAR and National Grid partnered on a promotion where individuals who
recycled refrigerated appliances could win a chance to meet a Boston Red Sox
player. The event resulted in a large up-tick in scheduled pickups.
Focus on Energy and Dayton Power & Light each implemented campaigns to find
the oldest fridges in Wisconsin and Ohio, respectively. The winners were fridges
from the 1930s!
Energy Trust of Oregon partnered with the Oregon Food Bank to launch their
"Fill A Fridge" campaign. This program gave customers the option to donate
their recycling incentives directly to the food bank and raised $31,960!
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Photo Credit: NSTAR/National Grid
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Dayton Power & Light's Oldest Fridge Contest.
Photo Credit: Dayton Power & Light
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Flyer for Energy Trust of Oregon's
"Fill A Fridge" Campaign.
Photo Credit: Energy Trust of Oregon
2013 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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RAD Recycling Facilities
Since the launch of the RAD Program in 2006, there are five times more appliance recycling facilities
that service five times the number of states. The 34 facilities operating today have more options in
their foam recovery technologies, and more are expected to come on line in the near future.
* 30 states have RAD Utility Partner programs.
23 states have recycling facilities servicing RAD partners.
Within the facilities, the following foam recovery and processing methods are used:
- Manual foam recovery without processing
- Manual foam recovery with automated foam processing (e.g., Adelmann and JACO Polyurethane
Foam Degasser)
- Fully automated foam recovery and processing (e.g., JACO SEG-II and UNTHA Recycling
Technology [URT] System)
Map of Recycling Facilities Servicing RAD Partners
Carbon Savings from
Foam Recovery
If foam were recovered
from all refrigerators and
freezers disposed in the
United States, approximately
7 million metric tons of carbon
dioxide equivalent (MMTC02eq)
would be avoided per year-
equivalent to the carbon
sequestered by 5.7 million acres
of U.S. forests in one year.*
"U.S. EPA estimate, assuming 5% blowing
agent recovery loss.
Check out the interactive
RAD Facilities Map at
www2.epa.gov/rad/appliance-recycling-
facilities-servicing-rad-partners
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2013 Annual Report
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Results
In 2013, Consumers Energy helped nearly 27,000 Michigan
customers recycle their old refrigerators or freezers, providing
them with a free pick-up and $50 rebate. Unplugging them has
saved over 31,000 megawatt-hours of electricity in 2013 alone.
To learn more, visit www.ConsumersEnergy.com/recycle.
Photo credit: Consumers Energy
^M ^M
mm In 2014, Consumers Energy will
achieve a milestone of responsibly
recycling over 100,000 appliances,
following the RAD guidelines and
best practices. We are proud of this
achievement and our collaboration with
RAD and other utilities. This relationship
helps us provide our 1.8 million electric
customers in Michigan with reliable and
affordable energy that is sustainable.
We highly value our retail partnerships
introduced through RAD, and these
partnerships continue to help drive
high program satisfaction from
our customers. JJ
Garrick Rochow
Vice President of Customer Operations and Quality,
Consumers Energy - Michigan
In 2013, RAD's 52 partners collected and processed a total of 910,891 refrigerant-
containing appliances, including:
811,458 refrigerators
* 89,905 stand-alone freezers
. 7,474 window air conditioning units
2,054 dehumidifiers
By disposing these units using the best available practices, RAD partners have helped
protect the ozone layer, cut GHG emissions, reduce energy use, and increase recycling.
The environmental benefits are described in the following pages.
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Number of Appliances Processed by RAD Partners, 2007-2013
1,000,000
900,000
800,000
700,000
600,000
500,000
400,000
300,000
200,000
100,000
2007 2008 2009
Dehumidifiers
Air Conditioning Units
2010 2011 2012 2013
« Stand-alone Freezers
Refrigerators/Freezers
6 2013 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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Stratospheric Ozone Benefits
RAD partners reduce emissions of CDS by safely recovering refrigerants as well as
foam-blowing agents, which also deplete the ozone layer.
Older refrigerated appliances that were manufactured with CDS are being retired today.
On average, partners recovered 0.4 Ib. of refrigerants and 0.9 Ib. of foam-blowing agents
from each refrigerator/freezer. Across all equipment types, RAD partners recovered a
total of approximately 290,100 Ibs. of CFC and HCFC refrigerants, and 377,900 Ibs. of
CFC and HCFC foam-blowing agents, avoiding the release of 263 OOP-weighted metric
tons in 2013. In addition to being ODS, refrigerants and foam-blowing agents also have
high GWPs, as shown in the table to the right and discussed further on the next page.
MFCs are also discussed further on the next page.
Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Reclaimed and Destroyed by RAD Partners in 2013
Characteristics of Gases Used as Refrigerants
And Foam-Blowing Agents in Appliances
Reaching End-of-Life
Compound
Ozone Global
Depletion Warming
Potential Potential
(ODP)t (GWP)*
Predominant
Use in
Appliances
CFC-11
CFC-12
HCFC-22
HCFC-141b
HFC-134a
HFC-245fa
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0.11
0
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4,750
10,900
1,810
725
1,430
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Foam
Refrigerant
Refrigerant
Foam
Refrigerant
Foam
*ODPs are based on values provided in the Montreal Protocol.
*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 CO
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Refrigerant
Destroyed Reclaimed
Foam-Blowing Agent
Destroyed
JACO's Polyurethane Foam-Degasser
In this system, up to 500 Ibs. of recovered foam
pieces are placed in a vacuum-sealed tank, where
nitrogen is added for explosion proofing. The foam
is then milled into a fine powder over a period of
two hours, after which time the powder and gases
enter a second tank for separation. The liquid CFC
blowing agent is then transferred into 1,000-lb.
cylinders, while the foam powder is collected
into a third tank via a conveyer belt and loaded
into sacks. While this technology currently only
processes CFC foam, methods for processing other
blowing agents (e.g., HCFC-141b and MFCs) are
under development.
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2013 Annual Report
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C imate Benefits
During 2013, RAD partners achieved a reduction of over 2.2 MMTC02eq, which is equivalent
to the annual carbon emissions from the electricity use of more than 309,000 homes. Of
this, 64% can be attributed to reclaiming or destroying refrigerants, 30% 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.
In addition to CFCs and HCFCs, RAD partners prevent the release of MFCs. MFCs are potent
GHGs commonly used in refrigerators and air conditioners. The use and emissions of MFCs
are growing rapidly as they are increasingly adopted as replacements for CDS being phased
out under the Clean Air Act and as economic growth spurs demand for new equipment, such
as refrigerant-containing appliances. Recovering MFCs, even in small quantities, can result
in significant climate benefits. For instance, over 50% of GHG emission reductions from the
proper disposal of refrigerators can come from HFC foam (up to 0.5 MTC02eq/unit). During
2013, RAD partners recovered 103,000 Ibs. of MFCs, as shown in the bar graph on the
previous page.
Climate benefits are also achieved through the recycling of durable materials from appliances,
which prevents indirect GHG emissions associated with the generation of electricity that would
otherwise have been needed to produce virgin materials.
GHG Emissions Avoided through Proper Appliance Disposal by RAD Partners
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2007 2008 2009
Durable Goods Recycling
2013 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
2010 2011 2012 2013
Foam Recovery Refrigerant Recovery
In 2013, RAD partners achieved climate
benefits equivalent to:
Source: EPA's Greenhouse Gas Equivalency Calculator.
Available at www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-
resources/ca lculator.htm I.
"This does not include GHG emission reductions
associated with early appliance retirement.
Climate Action Plan
President Obama's Climate Action Plan
(CAP)announced in June 2013calls
for the United States to lead through
international diplomacy as well as
domestic actions to reduce emissions
of MFCs. RAD partners can make an
important contribution to the President's
CAP by collecting and disposing of HFC-
containing appliances using the best
available practices.
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Energy Savings
In October 2013, new RAD partner, Focus on Energy, hosted
a contest to find Wisconsin's oldest fridge. Three 1931 General
Electric (GE) refrigerators tied in the contest. In addition to the
$50 incentive that all participants received for recycling their old
appliances, the three winners also received a $1,000 prize.
Photo credit: Focus on Energy
Replacing a 15-year old refrigerator with one that
is ENERGY STAR certified could save a household
more than 400 kWh/year - or about $50/year.*
'Actual energy and cost savings will vary by equipment
model and region. These estimates are conservative
(U.S. EPA: ENERGY STAR 2014 Databook).
For utilities, appliance recycling programs are an important component of a
successful demand-side management (DSM) program.
Replacing old, inefficient appliances with new ones reduces the amount of electricity
needed to power them and, therefore, reduces the amount of indirect GHG emissions
released. In 2013, appliance recycling programs operated by the 47 RAD utility partners
covered a territory of 42 million households (approximately 34% of U.S. households)
across 30 states. As shown in the map below, RAD utility partners are operating
programs in states from coast to coast.
In total, RAD utility partners reduced energy use by more than 2.7 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 $319 million.
RAD Across America: States with RAD Utility Partners
States with New RAD Utility Partners 2013
States with RAD Utility Partners
States without RAD Utility Partners
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2013 Annual Report
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Environmental Benefits for
Communities
In 2013, 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:
119.2 million Ibs. of ferrous metals (e.g., steel)
5.8 million Ibs. of non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper)
21.2 million Ibs. of plastic
3.4 million Ibs. of glass
Toxic or hazardous materials properly handled:
73,700 gal. of used oil
41,500 PCB-containing capacitors
13,000 mercury-containing components
ARCA's URT System
This system shreds refrigerators and freezers and
separates the materials (i.e., plastics, metal, degassed
foam) into high-quality, uniformly sized pieces. As part of
the process, the foam insulation is compressed into pellets
in a sealed system, allowing the foam-blowing agent to
be recovered and condensed into a liquid. The resulting
foam pellets, which are roughly 40 times smaller in size
than typical insulating foam waste from refrigerators, can
also be burned and used as an alternative fuel in other
processes, such as cement manufacturing. When used in
cement manufacturing, the ash from the pellets is recycled
into the cement, further reducing the burden on landfills.
In total, the URT system is estimated to reduce the typical
amount by weight of landfill waste from a refrigerator or
freezer by 85%.
10
2013 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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mm The annual reporting requirement
has helped Austin Energy to benchmark its
efforts against other RAD partners. We use
the information RAD requires to explore
new opportunities and continue to increase
the benefits of our program. JJ
Donylle Seals
Program Coordinator, Austin Energy
RAD Benefits Over Time
In 2007, nine RAD partners recovered 63,400 Ibs. of refrigerants and 147,700
Ibs. of foam-blowing agent. As of 2013, the program has expanded to 52
partners and two state affiliates that have recovered 385,400 Ibs. of refrigerant
and 385,600 Ibs. of foam-blowing agent.
The majority of refrigerant and foam-blowing agents recovered by RAD partners in
2013 were CFCs. This is the result of RAD partners' efforts to target older, less efficient
units. In the coming years, more HCFC and, eventually, HFC units will be retired. Proper
handling of HCFC and HFC refrigerants and blowing agents at end-of-life will reduce
GHG emissions.
Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Recovered by RAD Partners, 2007-2013*
T3
CD
CD
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CD
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CD
DC
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500,000
450,000
400,000
350,000
300,000
250,000
200,000
150,000
100,000
50,000 _
2007
2008 2009
2010
2011 2012
Refrigerant
HFC-134a HCFC-22 CFC-12
2013 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
Foam-Blowing Agent
HFC-245fa iHCFC-141b CFC-11
2013
This graph does not account for the recovery of refrigerants R-500 or R-410A due to the negligible amount recovered.
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2013 Annual Report 11
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Working Toward a Safer
Tomorrow
CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants and foams contained in
appliances can damage Earth's climate and ozone layer if
not properly recovered at equipment disposal.
Fortunately, global production of new appliances is transitioning to
safer alternatives. Climate-friendly foam-blowing agents, such as
hydrocarbons, are increasingly used in household appliances today
as alternatives to HCFCs and MFCs.
In addition, new technologies are emerging and are growing in
capacity for recovering refrigerants and foams at appliance disposal
sites nationwide. RAD partners are contributing to this progress.
Because appliances last a long time, we will continue to see
CDS and high GWP substances, such as MFCs, in retired units
for decades to come. As RAD partners work to properly recycle
appliances using best environmental practices, the environmental
benefits will continue. Together, we will continue to work towards
a safer tomorrow.
12 2013 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim
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To learn more, visit: www.epa.gov/rai
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