supermarket
EPA Trash & Recycling
Newer More Energy Efficient Refrigerator Models Mean Lower Bills but When it Comes to Disposal Follow Sears
October 19 , 2007
The EPA reported yesterday that Sears Home Services is taking the lead among retailers to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's voluntary Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program. The goal is to reduce emissions of ozone depleting substances and greenhouse gases through the responsible disposal of applicances, most especially refrigerators.
Other retailers are expected to follow, and top on the list is super markets. I'ts not just a communication with the public about image. It's the fact that grocers are among the nations largest retailers and possess almost as much ozone layer threatening refrigeration as the customers they serve. They also use, service and dispose of refrigerators more often.
More important in the eyes of many retailers is the fact that the EPA tends to eye them for fines, not the public. They are an easier target and as soon as you see them handing out rewards, fines and settlements are sure to follow.
SMGN warned grocers bigger suits were on their way October 9th when American Electric Power settled with the EPA incurring costs to the company of $4.6 billion. The settlement itself was a mere $15 million, making it the largest settlement in history.
Among retailers the largest so far was with Walmart - a $1 million settement for violations of the Clean Water Act at 17 locations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Massachusetts with an additional $4.5 million environmental management plan, which would correct their storm water run off problems.
When equipment must be replaced proper disposal is essential. Grocers must safely remove "ODS" (ozone depleting substances) from the cooling systems of used refrigerators, in cases when, due to loose compressors or condensers, they are at risk of venting ODS substances.
The refrigerators must then be delivered to a processing plant that is capable of fragmenting 100% of the refrigerator materials.
The EPA regulated refrigerant recycling through Section 608 of thre Refrigerant Recycling Rule. The guidelines cover everything from fixing leaks to proper evacuation but heavy emphasis is placed on certification and paper work.
In Europe disposal must comply with WEEE directives. WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) is a standard to improve our environment and reduce risks to human health through proper treatment and registered collection facilities of discarded electrical goods.
Directives are designed to encourage re-use, recycling and recovery of waste electrical and electronic equipment and regulate WEEE collection. In addition to hazardous refrigerator waste, WEEE also regulates disposal of TV and computer monitors and flourescent tubes.
In the US, fueling the need for responsible refrigerant recycling are political action organizations such as The Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy. ARAP has developed similar responsible use principals for refrigerant recovery, reclamation and recycling and will continue to hike up pressure on government bodies such as the EPA to force stricter compliance and change.