Under what conditions may you use a disposable cylinder to recover refrigerant?

Answer 1

You may never use a disposable cylinder to recover refrigerant under any conditions. According to EPA regulations under Section 608 of the Clean Air Act, refrigerant must only be recovered into approved, reusable recovery cylinders that meet DOT (Department of Transportation) standards. Disposable cylinders—also known as "throwaway" or "non-refillable" containers—are designed only for virgin refrigerant and must be properly evacuated and recycled once empty.

Using a disposable cylinder for recovery is both unsafe and illegal, as it can lead to cross-contamination, pressure failure, and environmental harm due to refrigerant leakage. Violating this regulation can result in hefty fines and penalties, especially for certified HVAC technicians or service shops.

Always ensure you're using the correct equipment when handling refrigerants, not just for legal compliance but also for environmental protection and system performance.

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Answer 2

A disposable cylinder may be used to recover refrigerant when the refrigerant type is non-flammable, non-toxic, and the cylinder is specifically approved for refrigerant recovery. Additionally, the cylinder must be empty, and the recovery process should comply with local regulations and environmental guidelines. It's important to ensure the cylinder is properly labeled and that the recovery is performed by a certified technician to avoid safety hazards.