Long Island Homeowners Face New EPA Refrigerant Recovery Requirements That Could Cost You Thousands If Ignored
As we move into 2025, Long Island homeowners are confronting a complex web of new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) refrigerant recovery laws that fundamentally change how appliances must be disposed of. These regulations, combined with New York State’s even stricter requirements, create serious legal and financial consequences for homeowners who don’t understand their obligations when getting rid of refrigerators, air conditioners, and other cooling appliances.
Understanding the 2025 EPA Refrigerant Recovery Mandate
EPA regulations (40 CFR Part 82, Subpart F) under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act include requirements for the safe disposal of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. These requirements are designed to minimize refrigerant emissions when these appliances are disposed. The stakes are high: The purposeful venting of refrigerant during the maintenance, repair or disposal of air conditioners and refrigeration equipment is strictly prohibited.
The final person in the disposal chain (such as a scrap metal recycler or landfill owner) is responsible for ensuring that refrigerant is recovered from equipment before its final disposal. This means that even if you’re just getting rid of an old refrigerator, someone in the disposal process must properly recover the refrigerant using certified equipment.
New York State’s Stricter 2025 Requirements
New York has implemented even more stringent regulations that went into effect on January 9, 2025. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) announced a delay in enforcing the prohibition on selling, distributing, or purchasing bulk regulated substances with a GWP100 greater than 2,200 in New York State. The enforcement date was moved from January 9, 2025, to April 9, 2025. In addition, the prohibition of the sale of bulk R-404A and R-507A has been delayed until December 31, 2025.
ALD is required for “large” refrigeration equipment containing 1,500 pounds or more of refrigerant that is a regulated substance. Regulated substances are those with a GWP greater than 10. The deadline for installation in New York is June 1, 2025. While this primarily affects commercial operations, it demonstrates the state’s commitment to aggressive refrigerant management.
What Long Island Homeowners Must Know
For typical household appliances, Municipalities may also require the refrigerant to be recovered from appliances before they will accept it for pick-up. In such cases, you would need a professional, such as an employee of an appliance repair shop, to remove the refrigerant prior to disposal. This requirement varies by municipality across Long Island, making it crucial to check with your local waste management authority.
The good news is that Persons recovering refrigerant from small appliances (i.e., appliances containing five pounds or less of refrigerant) in the waste stream are not required to be Clean Air Act section 608 certified. However, the equipment used to recover refrigerant from appliances prior to their final disposal must meet the same performance standards as refrigerant recovery equipment used for servicing.
The Role of Professional Services
Many Long Island homeowners are turning to professional services to ensure compliance with these complex regulations. When you need reliable appliance removal, working with experienced local companies becomes essential for navigating these new requirements safely and legally.
Dunbar Moving, a full-service moving and junk removal company based in Stony Brook, New York, has been serving Suffolk County for over thirty years. Dunbar Moving is a full-service, fully licensed and insured moving company located in Stony Brook, New York. Our experienced team members are seasoned professionals with a thirty-year track record of local moving. Their extensive experience with Long Island’s unique requirements positions them well to handle appliance disposal challenges that homeowners face under the new regulations.
Documentation Requirements You Cannot Ignore
If the final person in the disposal chain accepts an appliance that no longer holds a refrigerant charge, that person is responsible for maintaining a signed statement from the person who dropped off the appliance. The signed statement must include the name and address of the person who recovered the refrigerant, and the date that the refrigerant was recovered.
This documentation requirement means homeowners need to maintain proper records when disposing of appliances. EPA does not mandate or accept a sticker as a form of verification that the refrigerant has been properly recovered prior to disposal. The final disposer must still obtain from a supplier a signed statement that includes the name and address of the person who recovered the refrigerant, and the date that the refrigerant was recovered.
Financial and Legal Consequences
The financial implications of non-compliance can be severe. Hazardous components, including PCBs, mercury, and compressor oil, must be removed from appliances before disposal in accordance with 40 CFR Parts 273, 279, 761. Failure to comply with these federal regulations can result in significant fines and legal liability.
For Long Island homeowners, the complexity is compounded by varying municipal requirements. While some municipalities may require that you make an appointment for bulky item collection, others may require that you haul items to a transfer station or landfill (your municipality can direct you to a solid waste contractor for more information).
Practical Steps for Compliance
To ensure compliance with 2025 refrigerant recovery laws, Long Island homeowners should:
- Contact your local municipality to understand specific appliance disposal requirements
- Work with certified professionals who understand EPA regulations
- Maintain proper documentation of refrigerant recovery
- Never attempt to vent refrigerants yourself
- Consider professional appliance removal services that handle compliance
Another option is to contact a local organization or retailer. Some organizations or retailers offer appliance pick-up and disposal services with the purchase and delivery of a new piece of equipment. Others may allow you to drop off the old appliance at the retail establishment at no charge, and some may even provide small vouchers or discounts in return for appliances.
Looking Ahead
The 2025 EPA refrigerant recovery requirements represent just the beginning of increasingly strict environmental regulations. As of January 1, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has enacted significant regulations under the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. These refrigerant rules are specific to the United States and aim to phase down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and improve refrigerant management across industries.
For Long Island homeowners, staying informed and working with knowledgeable local professionals is essential. The combination of federal EPA requirements and New York State’s stricter standards creates a regulatory environment where proper appliance disposal is both a legal necessity and an environmental responsibility. By understanding these requirements and planning accordingly, homeowners can avoid costly violations while contributing to important environmental protection efforts.