How To Dispose of an Air Conditioner

Like any other appliance, AC units eventually get old and wear down. Unfortunately, removing your old air conditioner can be difficult. If you’ve considered throwing it on the curb for the local trash collector to pick up, think again. Dumping your AC unit on the streets or in the garbage is illegal since it contains harsh chemicals. Keep reading to learn how to correctly dispose of an air conditioner, so it’s safe and hassle-free.

Environmental Hazards of Improper AC Disposal

Air conditioners contain refrigerants, fluids used in the cooling of air conditioning systems. These refrigerants can harm the environment by releasing greenhouse gases and depleting the ozone layer. These cooling units also contain several metals, such as copper, aluminum, and steel, that can seep into the environment and contaminate local soil and water sources. Proper disposal of appliances is needed to avoid these environmental effects.

Legal Requirements for Air Conditioner Disposal in California

Under Section 605 of the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a phase-out program of the production and consumption of hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including R-22 and R-410A. People can continue using their current appliances with HCFCs, but the production or import of HCFCs is scheduled to halt by 2030. EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act require technicians to be certified to maintain, service, repair, or dispose of equipment that could release refrigerants into the atmosphere. These technicians must pass an EPA-approved exam to earn Section 608 Technician Certification. Certifications vary by the type of equipment a technician wishes to work on.

Stricter Rules Under California Law

Under Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations, air conditioners are treated as hazardous waste due to the refrigerants they contain. Proper disposal of these appliances requires refrigerant removal and documentation of the removal by a certified technician. The appliance then needs to be sent to a recycling center with proper documentation for disposal. Oftentimes, a Certified Appliance Recycler (CAR) will handle air conditioners, from removing the refrigerant to disposing of the unit.

How To Dispose of an Air Conditioner the Right Way

Removing a bulky air conditioner can be tricky enough, but disposing of it presents another issue. The good news is many options are available to help you dispose of the unit properly.

1. Donate It

Some families can’t afford a new AC unit. Donating your old unit means people in need can buy it from thrift stores and donation centers. You can donate to charitable donations. However, before you donate, check the list of accepted items or call ahead to ensure they’ll accept your air conditioner. Some donation centers that accept large furniture and household items won’t accept building materials like AC units. The main reason is that there are potential safety hazards that workers are not equipped to handle safely.

2. Take It to a Scrap Yard

Scrap yards are a great way to dispose of your air conditioners safely. However, most scrap yards don’t accept the unit unless you’ve drained the refrigerants and oils. Typically, you’ll need to hire a licensed HVAC professional to scrap those refrigerants since it requires expertise and special equipment approved by the EPA standards. This will cost $50-$100 or more (per unit) to drain the freon. Some HVAC professionals may also require a minimum fee or minimum number of units to service in order to come out. Once the freon is drained, you can take it to the scrap yard. The scrap yard will generally collect all metals, including copper wires, copper tubing, steel material, electric motor, and power supply from your unit. Make sure you ask the scrap yard what paperwork they may need in advance before accepting these items. Some require that you fill out a DTSC form and bring EPA documentation showing that the freon was pre drained by a licensed professional.