Refrigerant Recovery: Tools, Procedure, and EPA 608 Compliance

Refrigerant Recovery: Tools, Procedure, and EPA 608 Compliance

EPA Section 608 of the Clean Air Act requires technicians to recover refrigerant before opening any system, regardless of charge size.

Required Tools

• Recovery machine: EPA-approved model (listed on epa.gov Refrigerant Recovery Equipment list). Must achieve 90% recovery efficiency for systems above 200 lbs charge; push-pull method recommended.
• Recovery cylinder: DOT-approved, color-coded (gray body, yellow collar for mixed/unknown refrigerants), rated for refrigerant being recovered.
• Manifold gauge set: Matched to the refrigerant type (R-410A, R-32, or R-22 for legacy systems).
• Electronic scale: Verify cylinder weight against the printed tare weight; never fill above 80% capacity.

Recovery Procedure

1. Connect low-side manifold hose to suction service valve.
2. Connect high-side manifold hose to discharge service valve.
3. Connect center manifold hose to recovery cylinder (vapor port).
4. Connect recovery machine outlet to recovery cylinder (liquid port).
5. Start recovery machine; monitor system pressures.
6. Continue until system reaches 0 psig (or the vacuum spec for your refrigerant).
7. Weigh cylinder; log pounds recovered on service ticket.

Common Mistakes

• Recovering into an overfilled cylinder (explosion risk above 80% by weight)
• Using an unapproved cylinder (regular DOT cylinders are not rated for refrigerants)
• Failing to weigh before and after (required for 608 compliance)

Source: EPA 40 CFR Part 82 Subpart F; ASHRAE Guideline 3-2014.