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Refrigeration Equipment and Appliance Disposal


Refrigeration equipment and appliances often contain refrigerants such as freon gas, which is considered a regulated hazardous material for disposal. Various types of freon, coolants, and oils are found in appliances, and since identifying the exact type can be challenging, all are treated as potentially hazardous.

Things to Consider


Who Handles Refrigerant and Oil Removal?

Four campus entities manage the removal of refrigerants and oils, each responsible for a specific area:

Hospital

The Facilities and Engineering Department at the University Hospital oversees refrigerant and oil removal for equipment at the main hospital facility. Equipment disposal follows hospital operating protocols.

  • Contact: 801-581-2241

University Student Apartments (USA)

University Student Apartments manages refrigerant and oil removal for student apartment operations. Equipment disposal follows USA operating protocols.

  • Contact: 801-581-8668

Residential Living

The Residential Living department handles refrigerant and oil removal for residential living facilities. Equipment disposal follows Residential Living operating protocols.

  • Contact: 801-587-0852

Campus / HVAC / Surplus and Salvage

For refrigeration equipment disposal through University Surplus and Salvage, follow these steps:

  1. Ensure Cleanliness & Safety Clearance
    1. Chemical/Biological substances: Contact EHS (801-581-6590) for a certificate of cleanliness.
    2. Radiological substances: Contact Radiological Health (801-581-6141) for a radiological clearance certificate.
  2. Complete a Retirement-Transfer Form
    1. Follow University Policy and Procedure 3-40.
  3. Coordinate Removal with HVAC
    1. Arrange for refrigerant and oil removal through the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) department.
    2. Service cost ranges from $75 to $150.
    3. Contact: Plant Operations at 801-581-7221, request the HVAC shop.

 

Department Responsibilities

  • Prepare retirement-transfer forms and arrange for refrigerant and oil removal.
  • Cover service costs for refrigerant and oil removal and equipment delivery.
  • Coordinate equipment transfer to University Surplus and Salvage (either through the department or HVAC, depending on equipment location and disposal requirements).

Refrigerant Recycling & Disposal

  • HVAC recycles and reuses refrigerants and oils when possible.
  • Non-recyclable refrigerants and oils classified as hazardous materials are disposed of through Environmental Health and Safety (EHS).

By following these guidelines, departments ensure compliance with regulations and promote environmental safety in refrigerant and appliance disposal.

 

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