2010

Annual Report
1 

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 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.

2010 Annual Report

Recover Recycle Reclaim
2010 Annual Report 2

Overview

Through the RAD Program, partners reduce emissions of ozone-depleting 

substances (ODS) and greenhouse gases (GHGs) by recovering appliance 

foam and refrigerant. The program also leads to other environmental benefits 

by promoting the safe handling of hazardous materials and encouraging the 

recycling of durable materials—which protects human health, saves landfill 

space, and reduces energy consumption.

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. 

The appliance recycler uses best environmental practices to ensure that:

•	 Refrigerant is recovered and reclaimed or destroyed;

•	 Insulation foam is recovered and destroyed, or the foam-blowing agent is recovered 

and reclaimed;

•	 Metals, plastic, and glass are recycled; and

•	 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), mercury, and used oil are recovered and disposed of 

using best environmental practices.

In addition, some 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.

The benefits of the RAD Program are experienced on both global and local levels. 

Specifically, the avoided emissions of ODS and GHGs result in global environmental benefits, 

while the prevention of appliance dumping and the release of hazardous/toxic materials 

provides local environmental benefits to communities.

This annual report presents the RAD Program environmental benefits for 2010.

Refrigerators

Freezers

Window Air-Conditioners

Dehumidifiers

Retailers

Utilities

Local Government

Manufacturers

Other

Consumers RAD Partn

F

R

M

P

G

M

Refrigerators

Freezers

Window Air-Conditioners

Dehumidifiers

Retailers

Utilities

Local Governments

Manufacturers

Other

Consumers RAD Partners A

Foam

Refrigerant

Metals, Plastics,

PCBs, Used Oil,

Glass

Mercury

Refrigerators

Freezers

Window Air-Conditioners

Dehumidifiers

Reclamation

Destruction

Recycling

Proper 

Disposal

Reclamation

Destruction

Retailers

Utilities

Local Governments

Manufacturers

Other

Consumers RAD Partners Appliance Recyclers

Appliance Disposal 

Under the RAD Program
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3 

The Need for the RAD Program

EPA estimates that 9.4 million refrigerators and freezers, 4.5 million window 

air-conditioning units, and 950 thousand dehumidifiers were disposed of in the 

United States in 2010.

Because these appliances contain ODS, GHGs, hazardous substances, and recyclable 

materials, disposing of them using best environmental practices results in significant 

benefits for the environment and human health. Federal law requires that prior to disposal 

or recycling of appliances (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

Compound Global Warming 

Potential (GWP)*

Ozone Depletion 

Potential (ODP)

Predominant Use 

in Appliances

CO2 1 0 --

CFC-11 4,750 1 Foam

CFC-12 10,900 1 Refrigerant

HCFC-22 1,810 0.055 Refrigerant

HCFC-141b 725 0.11 Foam

HFC-134a 1,430 0 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 carbon dioxide (CO2), which has a GWP of 1. 

3 202010 Annual Report 10 Annual Report

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2010 Annual Report 4

RAD Partners and Affiliates

Thirty-four partners and affiliates reported their accomplishments for the 

RAD Program from January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010:

•	 American Electric Power (OH)

•	 Arizona Public Service (AZ)

•	 Appliance Smart (GA, MN, OH, TX)

•	 Austin Energy (TX)

•	 Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (MD)

•	 Best Buy (Nationwide)

•	 City of Burbank Water & Power (CA)

•	 City of Palo Alto Utilities (CA)

•	 City of Fort Collins Utilities (CO)

•	 City of Richland Energy Services (WA)

•	 Commonwealth Edison (IL)

•	 Consumers Energy (MI)

•	 Dayton Power & Light Company (OH)

•	 Energy Trust of Oregon (OR)

•	 Georgia Power (GA)

•	 Great River Energy (MN)

•	 Hoosier Energy (IN)

•	 Idaho Power (ID)

•	 Nebraska Public Power District (NE)

•	 NV Energy (NV)

•	 Pacific Gas & Electric Company (CA)

•	 PacifiCorp (CA, ID, UT, WA, WY)

•	 PNM (NM)

•	 Puget Sound Energy (WA)

•	 Sacramento Municipal Utility District (CA)

•	 Salt River Project (AZ)

•	 San Diego Gas & Electric (CA)

•	 Sears Home Services (Nationwide)

•	 Silicon Valley Power (CA)

•	 Snohomish County Public Utility District 

No. 1 (WA)

•	 Southern California Edison (CA)

•	 Vectren Energy Delivery (IN, OH)

•	 West Virginia Department of 

Environmental Protection (WV)

•	 WPPI Energy (WI)

Program Growth

The RAD Program has grown 

significantly over the last 4 years. 

In the last year alone, the program 

has expanded from having 23 to 

a total of 34 partners and affiliates.

2007 2008 2009 2010

25

20

15

10

5

0

30

35

2009 Reporting Partners

2008 Reporting Partners

2007 Reporting Partners

2010 Reporting Partners and Affiliates

Number of Partners and Affiliates

EPA’s RAD Program enables WPPI Energy to provide a valuable recycling service to its communities that encourages 

energy efficiency and demonstrates responsible environmental stewardship. Not only can homeowners achieve 

energy cost savings through the program, they can do so with confidence that sustainable practices are being 

followed for the removal of their old appliances.

—Jake Oelke, WPPI Energy Assistant Vice President of Energy Services
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5 2010 Annual Report

New River Gorge Bridge, West Virginia

RAD State Affiliates

In 2010, the RAD Program welcomed West Virginia as its first RAD state 

affiliate. State affiliates were invited to help promote the RAD Program to 

potential partners within their state through information dissemination and 

strategic outreach.

The role of a state affiliate is to support existing, new, and potential partners within their states 

and communities by:

•	 Serving as a technical clearinghouse/resource on responsible appliance disposal 

program development and implementation within the state;

•	 Providing partner recognition for achievement through press releases, articles, 

and awards; and 

•	 Exchanging information on program development/implementation and best practices 

with program partners.

By participating in the program, West Virginia aimed to reduce emissions of ODS and 

GHGs, as well as the number of retired appliances entering landfills and the quantity of 

toxic chemicals released within their communities. 

The RAD Program welcomes other states to participate. 

West Virginia is proud to 

be the first state to join the 

RAD Program as a state 

affiliate, and to promote 

the reduction of ozonedepleting substances and 

greenhouse gases from old 

appliances through the West 

Virginia Energy Efficiency 

Appliance Rebate Program 

(WVEEARP). The publicity we 

have received from the RAD 

Program has helped spread 

awareness about appliance 

recycling efforts within 

our state.

—Gregory E. Adolfson, 

Sustainability Officer, 

West Virginia Department of 

Environmental Protection (WVDEP)
2010 Annual Report 6

RAD Program in Indian Country

In 2010, the RAD Program conducted a small-scale refrigerator and freezer 

recycling program designed to benefit the tribal community of Yakama Nation. 

Through this short-term program, 192 refrigerators and freezers were collected and recycled 

using best practices. The pilot program achieved ozone benefits of 95 ODP-weighted 

kilograms (kg), climate benefits of 717 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MTCO2

e), 

and the recycling of 30,336 lbs. of durable materials. In addition, the program provided 

a number of social and economic benefits to the Yakama Nation community, including 

short-term employment, financial incentives in return for refrigerator disposal, and 

education about proper waste disposal.

Summary of Units and Materials Processed

Number of Units Processed 192

Refrigerators 169

Stand-Alone Freezers 23

Ozone Benefits (ODP-weighted kg) 95

Climate Benefits (MTCO2

e) 717

Durable Materials Recycled (lbs.) 30,336

Hazardous Substances Properly Treated

Used Oil (gal.) 15

Other Hazardous Components 11

Yakama Nation Staff with Collection Truck

The RAD pilot program 

resulted in significant 

pollution prevention 

and avoidance of illegal 

refrigerator dumping, 

as well as economic 

benefits for the Yakama 

Nation community. 

It also increased 

public awareness in 

the Yakama Nation 

about proper waste 

management.

—Loretta Zammarchi, Yakama 

Nation Solid Waste Department
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7 2010 Annual Report

Results

In 2010, the RAD Program’s 33 partners collected and processed a total of 

735,442 refrigerant-containing appliances, including: 

•	 669,523 refrigerators

•	 63,387 stand-alone freezers

•	 2,376 window air-conditioning units

•	 156 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.

Total Number of Refrigerant-Containing Appliances 

Processed by RAD Partners, 2007–2010

700,000

800,000

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

Best Buy has helped consumers recycle old appliances 

and electronics for many years. Our decision to partner 

with the EPA RAD Program is yet another way we can help 

consumers make responsible choices to dispose of their 

appliances using the best technologies available.

—Leo Raudys, Senior Director, Best Buy Environmental Sustainability
2010 Annual Report 8

Stratospheric Ozone Benefits

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 foam-blowing agent. Foam destruction is typically performed using 

municipal solid waste incinerators (e.g., waste-to-energy facilities) or rotary kiln incinerators. 

On average, partners recovered 0.47 lb. of refrigerant and 0.90 lb. of foam-blowing agent 

from each refrigerator/freezer. Across all equipment types, RAD partners recovered a total of 

145,060 lbs. of CFC and HCFC refrigerant, and 273,504 lbs. of CFC and HCFC foamblowing agent. By avoiding the release of these refrigerants and foam-blowing agents into 

the environment, an estimated 417,798 lbs. of ODS (151 ODP-weighted metric tons) were 

avoided during 2010.

Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Reclaimed or Destroyed 

by RAD Partners in 2010

Refrigerant Foam-Blowing Agent

Pounds Reclaimed/Destroyed

0

40,000

80,000

120,000

160,000

200,000

240,000

CFC-12

139,154

HCFC-22

5,906

HFC-134a

206,668

CFC-11

185,427

HCFC-141b

88,077

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 the release 

of ODS.

These substances decrease the 

atmosphere’s natural protection from 

the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, 

which have been linked to major human 

health problems, including skin cancer, 

eye damage, other skin problems 

(e.g., sunburn, premature aging), and 

immune suppression.

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 ODS production and 

consumption. The Protocol has been 

ratified by 196 countries and will result 

in significant ozone recovery in the 21st 

century, assuming that countries comply 

with its provisions.
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9 2010 Annual Report

Climate Benefits

CFCs, HCFCs, and HFCs contained in appliances are all potent GHGs.

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 CO2 on an equal mass basis. Therefore, recovering these compounds, 

even in small quantities, can result in significant climate benefits. 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 2010, RAD partners achieved the reduction of 1.41 million metric tons of carbon 

dioxide equivalent (MMTCO2

e), which is equivalent to approximately 276,845 passenger 

car emissions for one year. Of this, 58% can be attributed to reclaiming or destroying 

refrigerant, 30% to reclaiming or destroying foam-blowing agents, and 12% to recycling 

durable materials. Additional climate benefits are realized through energy savings detailed 

on the next page.

In 2010, RAD partners achieved 

climate benefits equivalent to:

276,845 passenger cars 

NOT driven for 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. 

GHG Emissions Avoided by 

Responsible Appliance Disposal

Foam

Recovery

30% Refrigerant 

Recovery

58%

Ferrous Metal 

Recycling

6%

Other Durable 

Materials Recycling 

6%

Carbon Credits

In February 2010, the Climate Action 

Reserve (the Reserve) approved a 

project protocol for the destruction of 

ozone-depleting substances for carbon 

credits. The protocol allows both ODS 

refrigerant and foam-blowing agent to 

be destroyed at certified U.S. facilities 

in exchange for carbon credits. The 

revenue that can be generated from 

carbon credits varies based on a 

number of factors, including carbon 

price. In 2010, the price of carbon 

offset credits on the Reserve generally 

ranged from $5 to $10 per MTCO2

e. 

Based on this price, the destruction 

of refrigerant from a single refrigerator 

containing CFC-12 may yield an 

approximate carbon offset credit 

value of $15* under the Reserve—not 

accounting for project costs such as 

those associated with registration, 

administration, and verification.

* This assumes a 15% CO2e discounting, based loosely on the

project accounting requirements of the Reserve.
2010 Annual Report 10

Energy Savings

For utilities, appliance recycling programs can be an important component of a 

successful demand side management program. 

Replacing old, inefficient refrigerant-containing appliances reduces the amount of electricity 

needed to power them and, therefore, the amount of indirect GHG emissions released. In 2010, 

appliance recycling programs operated by the 30 RAD utility partners covered a territory of 

31.5 million households across 20 states, representing approximately 27% of U.S. households. 

In total, RAD utility partners reduced energy use by more than 3.0 billion kilowatt-hours 

(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 approximately 

2.17 MMTCO2

e and are estimated to have saved consumers $372 million.

RAD Utility Partners Across the United States

AK

HI

WA

MT

OR

CA

NV

ID

UT

AZ NM

TX

OK

KS

NE

CO

WY

ND

SD

MN

IA

MO

AR

LA

MI AL

FL

GA

SC

NC

TN

KY

IL IN

WI

MI

OH

WV

MD

VA

PA

NY

VT

ME

NH

MA

CT RI

NJ

DE

States with Participating Utilities

States without Participating Utilities

Getting rid of a 20-year-old refrigerator 

could reduce your electricity bill by over 

$115 per 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 2011 Databook).
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11 2010 Annual Report

Other Environmental Benefits

In 2010, 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:

•	 85.4 million lbs. of ferrous metals

•	 15.6 million lbs. of non-ferrous metals

•	 15.1 million lbs. of plastic

•	 2.3 million lbs. of glass

Toxic or hazardous materials properly handled:

•	 0.04 million gal. of used oil

•	 45,024 PCB-containing capacitors

•	 41,444 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.

Metal, Plastic, and Glass

Casing/Refrigerator Shell

140 lbs. Metal

20 lbs. Plastic

3 lbs. Glass

CFC-11

Foam Insulation

1.0 lb.

Used Oil

(May be contaminated)

0.07 gal.

PCBs

(May be contained 

in capacitor)

Small Quantities

CFC-12

Refrigerant

0.5 lb.

Mercury-containing 

Components

0.003 lb.
2010 Annual Report 12

Increasing Program Benefits 

Over Time

In 2007, nine RAD partners recovered 63,436 lbs. of refrigerant and 

147,740 lbs. of foam-blowing agent. As of 2010, the program has expanded 

to 33 partners and one state affiliate, which have recovered 351,727 lbs. of 

refrigerant and 273,504 lbs. of foam-blowing agent. 

As the program matures, the relative number of units collected with CFC-based refrigerant 

and foam-blowing agent is decreasing, while the number with HFC refrigerant and HCFCbased foam-blowing agent 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, 2007–2010

400,000

300,000

350,000

250,000

200,000

150,000

100,000

50,000

0

2007 2008 2009 2007 2008 2009

HFC-134a

HCFC-22

CFC-12

HCFC-141b

CFC-11

Pounds Reclaimed/Destroyed 

168 5,515

157,611

18,235

62,848

139,345

197,060

168,534 8,395

19,155

55,494

2010

185,427

88,077

155,034

1,384

181,346

2010

5,906 139,154

206,668

57,753

Refrigerant Foam-Blowing Agent

Green Jobs

During the first 4 years, RAD 

program activities have employed 

over 1,200 people. For every 

100,000 refrigerators recycled 

using best practices, 64 new 

green jobs are created.*

*RAD program estimates based on industry statistics.

GHG Emissions Avoided through 

Proper Appliance Disposal by 

RAD Partners

1,400,000

1,200,000

1,000,000

800,000

600,000

400,000

200,000

0

Foam Recovery

Refrigerant Recovery

GHG Emissions Avoided (MTCO2e)

2007

284,381

301,035

2008

749,633

427,817

2009

873,198

379,409

2010

822,794

428,091
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13 2010 Annual Report

Partner Recognition

In return for their efforts, 

RAD partners receive public 

recognition and technical support 

from U.S. EPA. 

For example, U.S. 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.
2010 Annual Report 14

Protecting the Environment, 

One Appliance at a Time

Of all refrigerant and foam types, CFCs present the greatest threat to the 

stratospheric ozone layer and climate systems when emitted.

Recently there has been an international transition away from the use of CFCs in the 

production of new appliances. But because of the long lifetime of appliances, many of 

the appliances being retired today still contain CFCs. Thus, it is critical that efforts to 

properly dispose of appliances and minimize emissions be undertaken now—before 

the opportunity is lost.

Although CFCs are no longer used in the production of new appliances, most new 

units sold in the United States today still contain high-GWP refrigerants and foamblowing agents that will lead to increased concentrations of GHGs if not properly 

handled at end-of-life. Therefore, the importance of the RAD Program in promoting 

proper appliance disposal will continue well after the stock of CFC-containing 

appliances reaches end-of-life. By going above and beyond regulatory requirements 

to dispose of appliances using best practices and technologies, RAD partners are 

doing their part in protecting the environment.

To learn more, visit:

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Stratospheric Protection Division

www.epa.gov/Ozone/partnerships/rad

Recover

Recycle

Reclaim
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Stratospheric Protection Division (6205J)

EPA-430-K-11-003

www.epa.gov/Ozone/partnerships/rad

July 2011

Printed on 100% recycled/recyclable paper 

with a minimum 50% post-consumer waste 

using vegetable-based inks.