Frequently Asked Questions

When did CFCs start being collected and destroyed?

The collection and destruction of CFCs began in 2002.

When did RMC begin accepting HCFCs for disposal?

On January 1, 2004, RMC expanded the program to include HCFCs. The HCFCs will be handled in the same manner as CFCs.

What else are Canadian governments doing to reduce and/or eliminate CFCs?

The federal and provincial governments in Canada are committed to eliminating the use of ozone-depleting refrigerants. Canada was one of the early signatories to the Montreal Protocol and has consistently met or exceeded its obligations under the Protocol to protect the ozone layer. One important component of the program was the development of the “National Action Plan for Recovery, Recycling and Reclamation of CFCs” (NAP) which was approved and published by the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment (CCME) in 1992. In 1998 the NAP was revised to address all ozone-depleting substances and their Halocarbon alternatives as well as updated to incorporate “Canada’s Strategy to Accelerate the Phase-out of CFC and Halon Uses and to Dispose of the Surplus Stocks”. For additional details on the National Action Plan and the CCME Strategy, please visit the Environment Canada website.

Why is Environment Canada supporting RMC?

RMC is a key element of the CCME CFC/Halon Disposal Strategy which Environment Canada has been working on with the provinces and territories. Canada has been an international leader in protecting the ozone layer and the RMC EPR program will help further Canada’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol.

Environment Canada supports Extended Producer Responsibility as a policy option which is capable of achieving pollution prevention; toxics use reduction, waste minimization and the increase of the efficiency of resource use throughout the life cycle of products. The RMC initiative is a demonstration of that responsibility being taken by industry and shows a clear commitment to ridding the world of ozone depleting substances. The refrigeration industry’s leadership in this regard serves as a model for other industry sectors and other substances and wastes.

How can I become a collection or disposal service provider?

To become a collection or disposal service provider, the applicant must meet the criteria detailed in the RMC Request for Proposal. For a copy of the Proposal, please contact April Gucciardo at 1-800-622-0209 or email rmc@hrai.ca.

How can I become an authorized wholesaler?

Wholesalers play an important role in the RMC program and we are always pleased to welcome a new wholesaler into the program. To become an authorized wholesaler, applicants must pass an online wholesaler training program. Contact April Gucciardo at 1-800-622-0209 or email agucciardo@hrai.ca for additional details.

How do I locate an authorized RMC Wholesaler?

All RMC authorized wholesalers can be found on the "RMC Participants" page. By clicking on "List of Participants", you can search for a wholesaler by either company or city.

How do I locate a qualified refrigeration contractor?

You can locate a qualified contractor on the HRAI website.

Does RMC accept ozone-depleting refrigerants from appliances or cars?

Currently, the program only accepts refrigerant from the stationary refrigeration and air conditioning industry and domestic window air conditioners on a no fee basis. Refrigerant from domestic appliances (e.g. refrigerators) and cars will be accepted into the program on a fee basis. Please contact an approved RMC Collection Service Provider for details.

How do I get rid my surplus ODS refrigerant?

Contact your local RMC Authorized wholesaler or an approved RMC Collection Service Provider.

Can I get rid of all ozone-depleting refrigerants regardless of the source?

No, only surplus ozone-depleting refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs and HCFC blends) from the stationary refrigeration and air conditioning industry will be accepted into the program on a no fee basis. Refrigerant from other sources will be accepted into the program on a fee basis. Please contact an approved RMC Collection Service Provider for details.

Will RMC accept hydrocarbon refrigerants or ammonias, methyl chloride and sulphur dioxide?

No, these products will not be accepted into the RMC program. If these substances are found in the cylinder, that cylinder will be returned to the owner. Shipping and handling will apply.

What do I do with surplus HFC refrigerants?

HFC refrigerants will be accepted into the RMC Program on a fee basis. Please contact an approved RMC Collection Service Provider for details.

Does the cylinder need to be full to be accepted in the program?

The cylinder should be at least 40% full to be accepted in the program.

Can I mix refrigerants together if they are going in the program?

No, do not intentionally mix refrigerants.

Can large shipments of surplus ODS refrigerants be transported directly from a site to a Collection Service Provider?

Yes, arrangements can be made with your participating wholesaler or with the Collection Service Provider.

How do I locate a participating wholesaler?

All RMC authorized wholesalers can be found on the "RMC Participants" page. You will be able to search for a wholesaler by company name or city. Alternatively, you can call RMC at 1-866-622-0209.

Who are the approved RMC Collection Service Providers??

The RMC Collection Service Providers? are:

As a contractor, what will it cost me to dispose of my unwanted ozone-depleting refrigerant?

The only cost that may be incurred is the transportation of the cylinder to your wholesaler location. However, the fee may be the responsibility of the equipment owner.

Note:

  • Wholesalers may or may not have a cylinder handling fee which is NOT covered by the program; check with your wholesaler for details.
  • Refrigerant that does not qualify for the program will be accepted on a fee basis. Fees to dispose of refrigerant that does not meet RMC criteria will be the responsibility of the contractor or end-user.

What costs are covered by the RMC Program?

The following costs are covered by the program:

  • Shipping costs from the wholesaler to the RMC Collection Service Provider. This includes the return of empty cylinders to the wholesaler;
  • Analysis, consolidation and storage by the Collection Service Provider;
  • Shipping costs from the Collection Service Provider to the destruction facility; and
  • Destruction costs.

Will the wholesaler provide me with recovery cylinders?

Yes, participating wholesalers will provide various sizes of recovery cylinders & drums, usually on a deposit basis.

Can I use my own cylinder for the program?

The program accepts surplus ozone-depleting refrigerants in DOT or TC approved recovery cylinders regardless of who owns the cylinder.

Do I get my cylinder back and how long will this take?

Yes, the empty cylinders will be returned. The return of your cylinders will depend on the volume received by the Collection Service Provider; however, on average cylinders are returned within one month after initial testing.

What do we do if we receive drums with R11 but no authorization from RMC?

Any wholesaler or Collection Service Provider should NOT accept R11 without an RMC authorization and should ensure all staff is aware of this condition. If this does occur, please contact the individual and advise that a fee will be applied to dispose of the R11. The individual/company should be instructed to contact RMC to arrange for payment and obtain an RMC authorization number.

What do we do if we receive more/less than the quantity that is authorized by RMC? Is there any discrepancy that we RMC would expect us to report?

During discussions with contractors, RMC has advised that credits/debits will not be issued. RMC will accept a variance of plus or minus 10% of the volume reported. Any variance over 10% should be brought to RMC’s attention for action.

What do we do if someone says they are sending us in R123 or another gas, but it ends up being R-11?

The refrigerant should be returned and the company advised of the process for disposing of R11. Or the company can be contacted and advised of the process and instruct them to contact RMC to arrange for payment and obtain an RMC authorization number.

Does the purity level of R11 matter?

No, the purity level does not matter.

If we were to recycle gas for re-sale is the wholesaler/contractor exempt from the R-11 disposal fee?

If the refrigerant is being recycled the disposal fee does not apply. The fee is only charge when R11 enters the program for destruction.