The EPA has strict guidelines on how refrigerant is handled in the air conditioning industry. Service technicians must hold a Section 608 Technician Certification to perform service or repair and dispose of any appliance that that could be leak into the atmosphere. Refrigeration and air conditioning equipment that is typically dismantled on site before disposal (retail food refrigeration, central residential air conditioning, chillers, and industrial process refrigeration) has to have the refrigerant recovered in accordance with the EPA’s requirements for servicing prior to their disposal.
EPA performs random inspections, responds to tips, and pursues potential cases against violators. EPA can access fines up to $37,000 per day for any violation of regulations.