CAR Appliance Recycler Recycling & Waste Management 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of refrigerant is classified as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with zero ozone depletion potential but high global warming potential?
- R-11
- R-22
- R-134a (Correct answer)
- R-12
Correct answer: R-134a
R-134a is an HFC refrigerant with zero ozone depletion potential but a global warming potential of 1,430 times that of CO2.
Question 2: What is the purpose of a manifold gauge set in appliance refrigerant recovery?
- To measure the weight of refrigerant recovered
- To monitor system pressures and control refrigerant flow during recovery (Correct answer)
- To detect refrigerant leaks in coils
- To certify the purity of recovered refrigerant
Correct answer: To monitor system pressures and control refrigerant flow during recovery
A manifold gauge set monitors high-side and low-side pressures and controls refrigerant flow between the appliance and the recovery machine.
Question 3: Under EPA regulations, what is the required final system pressure after active refrigerant recovery from an appliance with a hermetically sealed compressor?
- 0 psig
- 4 inches of mercury vacuum (Correct answer)
- Atmospheric pressure
- 10 psig positive pressure
Correct answer: 4 inches of mercury vacuum
EPA requires recovery to at least 4 inches of mercury vacuum for appliances with hermetically sealed compressors to ensure adequate refrigerant removal.
Question 4: What environmental problem does proper oil drain-down from compressors prevent during appliance shredding?
- Copper contamination of steel scrap
- Release of oil into shredder residue causing soil contamination (Correct answer)
- Interference with magnetic separation equipment
- Fire risk from oil vapor ignition
Correct answer: Release of oil into shredder residue causing soil contamination
Compressor oil drained before shredding prevents petroleum contamination of shredder residue, reducing the risk of the residue being classified as hazardous waste.
Question 5: Which appliance component is the primary source of elemental mercury recovered during recycling?
- Thermostat bimetal switch (Correct answer)
- Compressor motor winding
- Door gasket material
- Evaporator coil
Correct answer: Thermostat bimetal switch
Mercury tilt switches used in older appliance thermostats are the primary source of elemental mercury that must be removed before shredding.
Question 6: What is 'downstream certification' in responsible appliance recycling?
- Verification that workers are EPA-certified
- Documentation from downstream processors confirming materials were recycled responsibly (Correct answer)
- State permit for operating a shredder
- Customer sign-off on appliance pickup
Correct answer: Documentation from downstream processors confirming materials were recycled responsibly
Downstream certification requires recyclers to obtain documentation from material buyers and processors confirming that recovered materials are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.
Question 7: A recycler wants to claim R2 or e-Stewards certification. What must they demonstrate regarding hazardous materials?
- That all hazardous materials are sent to licensed hazardous waste facilities (Correct answer)
- That all hazardous materials are exported to developing countries for final processing
- That hazardous materials are diluted below threshold concentrations
- That hazardous materials are incinerated on-site
Correct answer: That all hazardous materials are sent to licensed hazardous waste facilities
Both R2 and e-Stewards standards require that hazardous materials recovered during recycling are sent to licensed facilities capable of managing them properly.
CAR Appliance Recycler Recycling & Waste Management 3
Which type of refrigerant is classified as a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) with zero ozone depletion potential but high global warming potential?