Matt Dillon
Refrigerant supplier A-Gas has launched Drop-a-JUG, which it describes as the first disposable refrigerant cylinder recycling program in New Zealand.
“Drop-a-JUG is an innovative and practical solution to New Zealand’s disposable cylinder problem,” A-Gas says. “The free and easy recycling program provides HVAC and refrigeration professionals with a convenient and environmentally responsible way to recycle used disposable refrigerant cylinders.”
Illegal to vent in NZ
Disposable refrigerant cylinders contain synthetic greenhouse gases that are harmful to the environment when released into the atmosphere. It is illegal in New Zealand to purposely vent refrigerant to the atmosphere.
Under NZ’s Waste Minimisation Act 2008, refrigerants have been declared a priority product by the Ministry for the Environment. This means all importers, distributors, resellers and owners are required to safely and responsibly dispose of refrigerant that is no longer required, including the small amount of refrigerant left in used disposable refrigerant cylinders.
Responsible management
“The responsible management of used disposable refrigerant cylinders is another way the industry can transition towards a net-zero future,” says A-Gas (New Zealand) Country Manager Mitch Williamson.
“As a global leader in lifecycle refrigerant management, A-Gas is dedicated to capturing refrigerant gases for future re-use or safe destruction, preventing harmful release into the atmosphere. Every gram counts, and as an industry we all have a responsibility to do the right thing.”
The new Drop-a-JUG recycling program is designed to capture the smallest amounts of refrigerant left in disposable refrigerant cylinders and ensure that it is responsibly managed. Empty gas cylinders and any disposable cylinder cardboard packaging will be sent for appropriate recycling.
Businesses interested in becoming a Drop-a-Jug drop-off point can register here.
Leave a Reply