Which appliance usually enters the waste stream with its refrigerant charge intact, so the final-processor rules apply?
Recovery requirements · EPA 608 Type I. The correct answer, and the reasoning behind it.
The small-appliance definition and the recovery levels required.
The question
Which appliance usually enters the waste stream with its refrigerant charge intact, so the final-processor rules apply?
- A window air conditionerCorrect answer
- A centrifugal chiller
- A central residential air conditioner
- A supermarket refrigeration system
Why “A window air conditioner” is correct
EPA lists household refrigerators and freezers, window air conditioners and MVACs as equipment that typically enters the waste stream with its charge intact. For these, the final person in the disposal chain must recover the refrigerant or verify that it was recovered.
Source: EPA: Safe Disposal Requirements
Why the other answers are wrong
- A centrifugal chiller — Chillers are usually dismantled on site, with refrigerant recovered under the servicing rules.
- A central residential air conditioner — EPA lists central residential AC as equipment typically dismantled on site.
- A supermarket refrigeration system — Retail food systems are typically dismantled on site before disposal.
Practice more of this
More EPA 608 Type I practice questions, or see every EPA 608 practice test.
Unofficial, not affiliated with the EPA or any EPA-approved certifying organization. Questions are original practice written from public EPA material, not real exam questions.