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

^a Due to corrections in partner data reporting, the benefits shown here differ from those presented in the 2011 Annual Report.
^b ODP = ozone depletion potential.
^c MMTCO₂eq = million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
^d NA= not available; hazardous components were reported in pounds prior to 2010. Reported quantities were 1,500 lbs. in 2007, 14,090 lbs. in 2008, and 215,200 lbs. in 2009.

Stratospheric Ozone Benefits

RAD partners reduce emissions of ODS by recovering and reclaiming or destroying ODS refrigerant (CFC-12, HCFC-22) and foam-blowing agent (CFC-11, HCFC-141b) contained in household appliances. The quantity of refrigerant and foam-blowing agent recovered and properly handled by RAD partners in 2007-2015 is shown below.

Refrigerants and Foam-Blowing Agents Recovered by RAD Partners, 2007-2015*

* No ozone benefits are associated with the reclamation/destruction of HFC-134a refrigerant or HFC-245fa foam-blowing agent, although significant climate benefits are realized (see section below).

By avoiding the release of chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) refrigerant and foam-blowing agent, the program has avoided an estimated 1,645 ODP-weighted tons of ODS emissions since its inception. The majority of refrigerant and foam-blowing agents recovered since 2007 were CFCs. This is the result of RAD partners’ efforts to target older, inefficient units. In the coming years, more hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) units will be retired. Proper handling of HFC refrigerants and blowing agents at end-of-life will reduce GHG emissions.

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 GHGs. 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 GHG emissions avoided through refrigerant recovery, foam recovery, and durable goods recycling by RAD partners in 2007-2015 are shown below.

GHG Emissions Avoided through Proper Appliance Disposal by RAD Partners, 2007-2015 (MTCO₂eq.)

Energy Savings

For utilities, appliance recycling programs can be an important component of a successful demand-side management program. Replacing old, inefficient refrigerant-containing appliances reduces the amount of electricity needed to power them, and thus the amount of CO₂ emitted. By collecting old, inefficient appliances for proper disposal, RAD’s utility partners have generated the benefits summarized in the table below.

^a Due to corrections in partner data reporting, the benefits shown here differ from those presented in the 2011 Annual Report.
^b kWh = kilowatt hours.
^c MMTCO₂eq = million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

Other Environmental Benefits

RAD partners further protect 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.

^a Due to corrections in partner data reporting, the benefits shown here differ from those presented in the 2011 Annual Report.
^b NA= not available; PCB-containing capacitors were reported in pounds prior to 2010. Reported quantities were 1,400 lbs. in 2007, 8,200 lbs. in 2008, and 213,500 lbs in 2009.
^c NA= not available; mercury-containing components were reported in pounds prior to 2010. Reported quantities were 100 lbs. in 2007, 5,900 lbs. in 2008, and 1,600 lbs. in 2009.

Related Pages

• Program Benefits
• Annual Reports
• Resources