Summary of Refrigerant Reclamation Trends

This Dashboard provides information on refrigerant reclamation trends from 2000 – 2023 in pounds (lbs), kilograms (kgs), and metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (MTCO₂e). The visualizations below show the amount of reclaimed ozone-depleting substances (ODS) used as refrigerants, and starting in 2017, the amount of reclaimed hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as refrigerants. The reclamation data are based on information reported by refrigerant reclaimers to EPA under Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 608.  Please note the following:

• Each chart included in the dashboard offers a different way to view and understand the trends in refrigerant reclamation.

  • Charts labeled as “Quantity Reclaimed” provide different visualizations of the total amount of reclaimed refrigerants between 2000 – 2023. Filters and table selections will carry over between charts. Section 608 Quantity Reclaimed 2000-2023 (xlsx) (21.08 KB)

  • The chart labeled as “Quantity of Neat HFCs and HFC Blends Reclaimed” provides information on the amount of specific reclaimed HFCs and the volume reclaimed as a neat chemical and/or within a blend. The nine HFCs displayed in this chart were the most reclaimed between 2017 – 2023.  Section 608 Quantity of Neat HFCs and HFC Blends Reclaimed 2017-2023 (xlsx) (20.33 KB, 9-10-2024)

  • The chart labeled as “Total Material Reclaimed” provides trend information on the proportion of the total amount of reclaimed refrigerants between ODS and HFCs between 2017—2023.  Section 608 Total Material Reclaimed 2017-2023 (xlsx) (16.06 KB, 9-10-2024)

• The listed refrigerants under the "Quantity Reclaimed" charts are the most common refrigerants currently being reclaimed. Some refrigerants are grouped (whether as a neat chemical or blend) and labeled as "ODS Blends" or  "Other HFCs" because they are a relatively small proportion of refrigerants currently being reclaimed. 

• Select and filter the data by selecting the chemical name or category in the legend or by clicking on the visualizations. Filters will apply to the accompanying table and can be downloaded by clicking the “Export Data” button.

• Additional Resources: 
  • Total Refrigerant Received by Year 2010-2023 (pdf) (98 KB)
  • For more information on refrigerant reclaimers, please visit  EPA-Certified Refrigerant Reclaimers.
  • For more information on related HFC data reported under the AIM Act, please visit the HFC Data Hub.

*"ODS Blends" is an aggregation of chemical blends that contain a mixture of ODS refrigerants or blends that contain a mixture of ODS and one or more HFCs (e.g., R-401A).

**"Other HFCs" is an aggregation of HFC blends (e.g., R-448A) and neat HFCs (e.g., HFC-23).

Frequently Asked Questions

Were more hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants reclaimed in 2023 than in previous years?

Yes. In 2023, the data reported to EPA show an increase of approximately 20 percent in the total volume of HFCs reclaimed compared to 2022. 

When comparing 2023 data to 2022 data, are there specific HFC refrigerants that contributed to the increase in HFC refrigerants that were reclaimed?

The reported reclamation data show HFC-134a and R-410A are the main drivers contributing to the large year-over-year increase in HFC reclamation. Currently, these are the most widely used HFCs for refrigeration and air conditioning. The data also showed large year-over-year increases in the amount of R-404A and R-407A reclaimed. Such increases are not unexpected as the United States phases down the production and consumption of virgin (newly produced) HFCs in accordance with the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act and the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.  Similar increases in reclamation occurred when ODS refrigerants were being phased out.

How does EPA collect and verify reported HFC reclamation data?

EPA-certified reclaimers are required to report the total amount of received and reclaimed HFCs annually under the Clean Air Act Section 608 Program and on a quarterly basis under the HFC Allocation program. EPA reviews these reports, including identifying data discrepancies in the reported totals. Starting in 2024, the HFC Allocation program requires that EPA-certified reclaimers have third-party auditing of their records concerning HFC reclamation.

How many reclaimers are currently in the United States?

There are approximately 50 EPA-certified reclaimers currently operating in the United States. Reclaimers are a long-standing nationwide network of companies that receive quantities of HFCs and other refrigerants from entities such as refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump equipment distributors, commercial users (e.g., supermarkets), scrap yards, technicians, and contractors and reclaim refrigerants to be resold to the market.

Why is reclamation of refrigerants important?

The reclamation of refrigerants is vital to support the phasedown of HFCs and supply existing equipment (e.g., residential air-conditioning appliances) with refrigerants for servicing throughout the phasedown. The reclamation of ODS refrigerants, like HCFC-22, ensured there was an adequate supply of refrigerant to service equipment throughout the phaseout of ODS. Similarly, reclaimed HFCs will provide continued supplies for servicing existing equipment as the HFC phasedown continues to reduce the supply of virgin HFCs.

Does EPA expect reclamation totals to continue to increase throughout the HFC phasedown?

Yes. As the supply of virgin HFCs declines, the demand for reclaimed HFCs is expected to continue to increase. Starting January 1, 2024, total production and consumption of virgin HFCs was reduced to 60% of the baseline for the United States, with further phasedown steps through 2036. Similar to the increase in ODS reclamation as the phaseout progressed, EPA expects an increase in reclaimed HFC refrigerants as the phasedown of HFCs continues.

2023 is the second year in a row where a substantial increase in the reclamation of HFCs has been reported. There was approximately a 40 percent increase in HFC reclamation between 2021 and 2022 and a further 20 percent increase in reported HFC reclamation between 2022 and 2023. HFC reclamation is expected to continue this upward trajectory as the United States phases down the production and consumption of virgin HFCs.