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Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program
EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) Program is a voluntary partnership program that began in October 2006 to help protect the ozone layer and reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. As part of the RAD program, partners recover ozone-depleting chemicals from old refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners, and dehumidifiers. Using best practices, RAD partners ensure that:
For the 2010 RAD Program Annual Report, visit RAD Annual Report.
- Refrigerant is recovered and reclaimed or destroyed
- Foam is recovered and destroyed, or the blowing agent is recovered and reclaimed
- Metals, plastic, and glass are recycled
- PCBs, mercury, and used oil are recovered and properly disposed
As part of the program, EPA serves as a technical clearinghouse on responsible appliance disposal program development and implementation; calculates annual and cumulative program benefits in terms of ODS and GHG emission savings and equivalents and, as available, potential cost savings; and provides partner recognition for achievement, such as through press releases, brochures, articles, and awards.
RAD partners include utilities, retailers, local governments, manufacturers, universities, and other interested organizations. In addition to public recognition, joining the program may also serve as a way to document climate efforts, and may help partners meet any voluntary commitments or pledges they may have to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Partners may also reap additional environmental benefits – in the form of reduced energy consumption – by encouraging appliance owners to retire old inefficient appliances that may consume between two and four times more energy than new units.
State governments may also join the Program as RAD Affiliates, to increase environmental benefits within their states. As Affiliates, States promote the RAD Program to potential partners within their state through information dissemination and strategic outreach. They may also serve as technical resources and provide recognition to Partners within their states.