MACS 609 Certification Practice Exam

During servicing, what action must be taken regarding refrigerant disposal?

1. It can be freely vented

2. It must be recycled or destroyed

3. It can be poured down the drain

4. It can be stored indefinitely

The correct answer is: It must be recycled or destroyed

The correct action regarding refrigerant disposal is that it must be recycled or destroyed. This is essential due to the environmental regulations that govern refrigerants, particularly those that deplete the ozone layer or contribute to climate change, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Proper recycling involves reclaiming the refrigerant for reuse in systems, while destruction refers to processes that safely break down hazardous substances in a way that neutralizes their harmful effects. Adhering to these practices not only complies with legal regulations but also protects the environment by preventing harmful substances from entering the atmosphere. Regulations set by agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the United States mandate these practices to ensure the sustainable management of refrigerants. In contrast, other options suggest inappropriate or illegal actions that would likely harm the environment. Freely venting refrigerants contributes directly to greenhouse gas emissions, pouring them down the drain risks contaminating water supplies, and storing them indefinitely is not feasible without proper containment and could also pose safety hazards. Thus, recycling or destroying is the only responsible and legally acceptable method for refrigerant disposal.