Ozone Layer Depletion - Partnerships

Since the inception of the RAD program, partners have successfully reduced emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and greenhouse gases (GHGs). Partners have also reduced energy consumption, increased the recycling of durable goods, and ensured the proper handling of hazardous substances. Annual environmental benefits achieved by RAD partners—which have increased significantly over the short duration of the program—are summarized in the table below.

More information on these environmental benefits is provided below.

• Stratospheric Ozone Benefits
• Climate Benefits
• Energy Savings
• Other Environmental Benefits
  

Stratospheric Ozone Benefits

RAD partners reduce emissions of ODS by recovering and reclaiming or destroying refrigerant (CFC-12, HCFC-22) and foam-blowing agents (CFC-11, HCFC-141b) contained in household appliances. The quantity of ODS refrigerants and foam-blowing agents recovered and properly handled by RAD partners in 2007 and 2008 is shown below.

By avoiding the release of CFC and HCFC refrigerant and foam-blowing agents, an estimated 153 ozone depletion potential (ODP)-weighted tons of emissions were avoided in 2008, up from 89 ODP-weighted tons in 2007.

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Climate Benefits

The recovery of CFC, HCFC, and HFC refrigerants and foam-blowing agents from household appliances results in significant climate benefits, as these substances are all potent greenhouse gases. In addition, the recycling of durable materials from appliances results in lower emissions of carbon dioxide (CO₂) associated with the generation of electricity, which would have otherwise been needed to produce virgin materials. The total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions avoided by RAD partners in 2007 and 2008 are shown below.

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Energy Savings

For utilities, appliance recycling programs can be an important component of a successful Demand Side Management (DSM) program. Replacing old, inefficient refrigerant-containing appliances reduces the amount of electricity needed to power them and, therefore, the amount of CO₂ emissions released. By collecting old, inefficient appliances for proper disposal, RAD’s utility partners have generated the benefits summarized in the table below.

Benefits from Early Appliance Retirement	2007	2008
Number of Units Retired Prematurely
Refrigerators/freezers	166,557	214,373
Stand-alone freezers	9,316	12,530
Air conditioners	290	1,407
Dehumidifiers	0	533
Energy Saved (billion kilowatt hours [kWh])	1.70	2.36
Climate Benefits (metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent [MTCO2e])	1,073,700	1,484,900
Consumer Savings	$145,867,600	$282,554,500

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Other Environmental Benefits

RAD partners further protected the environment by keeping recyclable materials—such as glass, plastics, and metals—out of landfills and by ensuring the proper handling of hazardous wastes—namely used oil from compressors, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from capacitors, and mercury from thermostatic switches.  As shown below, RAD partners have recovered significant quantities of these materials.

Handling of Durable Goods and Hazardous Substances	2007	2008
Durable Materials Recycled (lbs.)
Ferrous metals	23,249,800	72,597,300
Non-ferrous metals	563,600	2,008,200
Plastic	2,970,000	9,823,400
Glass	392,300	1,556,700
Rubber	158,800	1,080,800
Proper Treatment of Hazardous Substances (lbs.)
Used oil	222,000	1,173,600
PCB-containing capacitors	1,390	8,190
Mercury-containing components	110	5,900

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Outlook for the Future

Looking ahead, the RAD program will continue to expand its membership and increase the environmental benefits achieved each year. The RAD Program is gaining momentum as industry and appliance owners alike learn about the importance of proper disposal and do what they can to address the problem.

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