Ozone Depleting Substances Regulations
The principal legislation controlling ozone-depleting substances (ODS) is the European Council Regulation No. 2037/2000 on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (as amended). The Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations 2002 and the Environmental Protection (Controls on Ozone-Depleting Substances) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2003 apply controls on the substances that have an adverse impact on the ozone layer in the upper atmosphere.
Most fridges or freezers brought to HWRCs contain chlorofluorocarbons and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbons (both of which are ODS) in the coolant or within the insulating foam. These substances need to be removed and treated in a permitted process. Halon fire extinguishers (usually green) are also regulated under the ODS Regulations.
Guidance on ODS is provided by the department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) and the Environment Agency. Further guidance is available from Defra.
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