What is the difference between "recycling" and "recovery" of refrigerants?

Recycling and recovery of refrigerants refer to distinct processes in managing refrigerants, particularly in compliance with environmental regulations. Recovery involves the collection of refrigerants from refrigerant-containing appliances and systems. This process ensures that refrigerants are safely removed, typically to prevent their release into the atmosphere during maintenance or disposal operations.

On the other hand, recycling is a more involved process that not only collects the refrigerant but also includes cleaning and purifying it to make it suitable for reuse. The refrigerant that has been recycled is often subjected to processes that remove contaminants and restore it to a level of purity acceptable for use in new applications. This difference in the extent of treatment and preparation distinguishes the two terms clearly.

Understanding this distinction is critical for environmental compliance, as effective refrigerant recovery and recycling help prevent harmful refrigerants from contributing to ozone depletion and global warming.