A technician recovers R-22 into a cylinder and later opens the cylinder valve to empty it outdoors. Is this a violation?

Clean Air Act and Montreal Protocol · EPA 608 Core. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.

Phaseout dates and the venting prohibitions at servicing, at disposal and for substitutes.

The question

A technician recovers R-22 into a cylinder and later opens the cylinder valve to empty it outdoors. Is this a violation?

• ANo, the refrigerant was already out of the appliance
• BYes, releasing refrigerant after recovery is ventingCorrect answer
• CNo, as long as it happens away from buildings
• DYes, but only if the cylinder held over 15 pounds

Why “Yes, releasing refrigerant after recovery is venting” is correct

40 CFR 82.154(a)(3) says the knowing release of a class I or II refrigerant or non-exempt substitute after it has been recovered from an appliance is a violation of the venting prohibition. Recovered refrigerant must be reused, recycled, reclaimed or destroyed.

Source: 40 CFR 82.154(a)(3)

Why the other answers are wrong

• No, the refrigerant was already out of the appliance — The rule specifically covers refrigerant released after recovery.
• No, as long as it happens away from buildings — Location does not matter; any knowing release is prohibited.
• Yes, but only if the cylinder held over 15 pounds — There is no cylinder-size threshold for this prohibition.

Practice more of this

More EPA 608 Core practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.