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Refrigerants in end-of-life fridges and air conditioners can harm the environment, so they must be recovered safely to prevent damaging gases from being released.
Officers from the National EPA visited scrap metal recycling businesses across Australia to help operators understand and comply with environmental protection laws for the handling of refrigerants.
Head of the Environmental Permitting and Compliance Division, Dani Yannopoulos, said the visits were about working together with operators to ensure understanding of their obligations and help prevent environmental harm.
"Scrap metal operators play a vital role in Australia's circular economy by recovering and recycling valuable materials," Ms Yannopoulos said.
"Ozone-depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases must be recovered safely from equipment before the metal can be processed.
"If these refrigerants are released into the atmosphere, they can contribute to global warming for over a decade, some much longer, and also undermine Australia’s efforts to reduce emissions.
“It’s important to note that anyone removing refrigerant from equipment must have a refrigerant handling licence. Businesses specialising in the safe removal of these gases are available to help industry recover refrigerants, including ozone-depleting substances, from end-of-life products and waste streams.
“Many scrap metal operators require proof of degassing or have other measures in place to protect the environment and ensure compliance with the law.
“As part of an ongoing two-way conversation with the sector, our officers are also gaining practical insights into industry practices and identifying where more guidance or support may help businesses meet their obligations can be targeted.”