2012 Annual Report Responsible Appliance

Disposal Program
ii 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

Responsible Appliance

Disposal Program

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 refrigerantcontaining 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. 
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 1

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 (ODS), 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.

Retailers

Utilities

Local Governments

Manufacturers

Other

RAD PARTNERS

CONSUMERS

Refrigerators

Freezers

Window Air Conditioners

Dehumidifiers

Recycling

Proper

Disposal

Destruction

Reclamation

Foam

Destruction

APPLIANCE RECYCLERS

Refrigerant

Metals, Plastics, 

Glass

PCBs, Used Oil,

Mercury

Reclamation

*Based on recent studies published by Cadmus Group, Innovologie, NMR Group, and the U.S. Department of Energy.
2 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

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 (MI)

• 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, MI)

• Long Island Power Authority (NY)

• Los Angeles Department of Water and 

Power (CA)

• MidAmerican Energy (IA, IL, NE, SD)

• National Grid (MA, NH, NY, RI)

• 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.1 (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, MI, WI) 

Number of RAD Partners and Affiliates

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. 
Utilities, Retailers, and Manufacturers

State Affiliates

Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 3

C: 100, M: 74, Y: 00, K: 00

R: 0, G: 85, B: 167 

Black 

Reversed White 

PMS 072 

Large, minimum size: 2" wide, from s to s.
4 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

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 lbs of ODS 

• Avoided GHG emissions of nearly 4 million metric tons of carbon dioxide 

equivalent (MMTCO2

eq)

• 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. 

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.

“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
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 5

If foam were recovered from all refrigerators and freezers disposed in the United States 

using advanced foam recovery technologies, approximately 7 MMTCO2

eq 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-toenergy (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. 

Foam Recovery Technologies

Bags of foam following manual recovery, awaiting destruction at the 

JACO Environmental, Inc. facility in Fullerton, CA. 

Adelmann A-55, a semi-automated system, at the ARCA recycling 

facility in Compton, CA.

*U.S. EPA estimate, assuming 5% blowing agent recovery loss.
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

6 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

700,000

800,000

900,000

1,000,000

600,000

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

0

Units Processed

2007

176,163

2008

505,956

2009

682,298

2010

735,442

Stand-Alone Freezers

Air Conditioning Units Refrigerators

Dehumidifiers

2011

904,093

2012

886,677

Refrigerators awaiting transport to a JACO appliance recycling facility that 

services RAD partner, National Grid.

“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
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 7

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.†

*National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). 2013. Ozone Hole Watch. Available at http://ozonewatch.gsfc.nasa.gov/

†World Meteorological Organization (WMO). 2011. “Scientific Assessment of Ozone Depletion: 2010.” Global Ozone Research and Monitoring Project-Report No. 52.

Ozone Hole over Antarctica

The ozone hole observed over the Antarctic pole during 

September 2012. Photo Credit: NASA, 2013.*
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 lb. of refrigerants and 0.93 lb. of 

foam-blowing agents from each refrigerator/freezer. Across all equipment types, 

RAD partners recovered a total of 309,100 lbs. of CFC and HCFC refrigerants, 

and 447,200 lbs. of CFC and HCFC foam-blowing agents, avoiding the release of 

274 ODP-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.

Stratospheric Ozone Benefits

Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Reclaimed or Destroyed by 

RAD Partners in 2012

8 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

Refrigerant Foam-Blowing Agent

Pounds Reclaimed/Destroyed

CFC-12 HCFC-22 HFC-134a CFC-11 HCFC-141b HFC-245fa

Destroyed Reclaimed Destroyed

0

100,000

50,000

150,000

200,000

250,000

300,000

350,000

Characteristics of Gases Used as 

Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents in 

Appliances Reaching End-of-Life

Compound

Global 

Warming 

Potential 

(GWP)*

Ozone 

Depletion 

Potential 

(ODP)†

Predominant 

Use in 

Appliances

CFC-11 4,750 1 Foam

CFC-12 10,900 1 Refrigerant

HCFC-22 1,810 0.055 Foam

HCFC-141b 725 0.11 Refrigerant

HFC-134a 1,430 0 Refrigerant

HFC-245fa 1,030 0 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 CO2.

† ODPs are based on values provided in the Montreal Protocol.
Climate Benefits

CFCs, HCFCs, and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) 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 CO2

 on an equal mass basis. In addition to CFCs and HCFCs, RAD 

partners prevent the release of HFCs, 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 lbs. of 

HFCs. 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 MMTCO2

eq, 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

Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 9

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

Durable Goods Recycling Foam Recovery Refrigerant Recovery

GHG Emissions Avoided (MMTCO2eq)

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012

In 2012, RAD partners achieved 

climate benefits equivalent to:

The amount of carbon sequestered by 

1.9 million acres of U.S. forests in one year*

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. 
Energy Savings

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 MMTCO2

eq and are 

estimated to have saved consumers $313 million.

RAD Utility Partners Across the United States

10 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

States with RAD Utility Partners

States without RAD Utility Partners

Karen Gaudet won $500 from ARCA in a contest drawing by Austin 

Energy for customers who recycled their old, inefficient refrigerators 

and freezers.

AK

HI

WA

MT

OR

CA

NV

ID

UT

AZ NM

TX

KS

NE

CO

WY

ND

SD

MN

IA

AR

MI AL

FL

GA

NC

TN

IL IN

WI

MI

OH MD

VA

PA

NY

VT

NH

MA

RI

NJ

DE

WV

KY MO

LA

OK SC

CT

ME

States with RAD Utility 

States without RAD Uti

Getting rid of a 20-year-old 

refrigerator could save your 

household roughly 1,040 

kWh/year—or about 

$125/year.*

*Actual energy and cost savings 

will vary by equipment model 

and region. These estimates 

are conservative and based on 

national averages (ENERGY STAR 

2013 Databook).
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 11

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 lbs. of ferrous metals (e.g., steel)

• 5.8 million lbs. of non-ferrous metals (e.g., copper)

• 21.9 million lbs. of plastic

• 3.4 million lbs. 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.

“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.

Jeff Shaw, 

”

Environmental Programs and Energy 

Conservation Director, Southern Maryland 

Electric Cooperative
Increasing Benefits Over Time

In 2007, nine RAD partners recovered 63,400 lbs. of refrigerants and 147,700 lbs. of foam-blowing agent. As of 2012, the program has 

expanded to 48 partners and 2 state affiliates, who have recovered 381,800 lbs. of refrigerant and 455,500 lbs. 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.

“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

12 2012 Annual Report Recover Recycle Reclaim

500,000

400,000

300,000

200,000

100,000

50,000

150,000

250,000

350,000

450,000

0

2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

HFC-134a HCFC-22 CFC-12 HFC-245fa HCFC-141b CFC-11

Pounds Reclaimed/Destroyed 

2010 2011 2012 2010 2011 2012

Refrigerant Foam-Blowing Agent

63,500

238,600

337,700 351,800

412,200

381,800

147,700

216,300

224,000

273,500

418,300

455,400
Recover Recycle Reclaim 2012 Annual Report 13

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.

San Diego Gas & Electric rolls out its 150,000th appliance for proper disposal at an ARCA To learn more, visit: recycling facility.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Stratospheric Protection Division

www.epa.gov/rad
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J)

EPA-430-K-13-001

www.epa.gov/rad

September 2013

Printed on 100% recycled/recyclable paper 

with a minimum 50% post-consumer waste 

using vegetable-based inks.