E-waste from refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment – how to manage it in compliance with regulations?

Law and the environment

Used electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), including refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and heat pumps, requires special handling at the end of its service life. It contains both valuable materials and refrigerants that can be recovered, as well as substances that may pose a risk to the environment if the equipment is dismantled or disposed of improperly.

The growing number of equipment replacements, driven by technological development and the transformation of the HVACR industry, makes the proper management of e-waste one of the key elements of the circular economy.

How should equipment be properly decommissioned?

National and EU regulations impose several basic obligations on equipment owners.

First and foremost, before dismantling, the refrigerant must be recovered by certified personnel. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in an administrative fine ranging from PLN 4,000 to PLN 15,000.

Once the refrigerant has been recovered, the equipment should only be handed over to an entity holding the appropriate environmental permits for the collection or treatment of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The transfer of the waste also requires a Waste Transfer Note (KPO) to be issued in the BDO database, using the appropriate waste code.

It is important to remember that the equipment should be delivered to the treatment facility complete. Dismantling it independently may lead to uncontrolled refrigerant emissions, oil leakage, and the loss of the opportunity to reuse functional components.

Failure to comply with regulations governing the management of e-waste may result in administrative fines of up to PLN 1 million.

REELECTRO – giving components a second life

Modern waste management is moving away from the “produce – use – discard” model. In line with the principles of the circular economy, the priority is not only recycling, but above all preparing products and components for reuse.

Many components of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment can remain fully functional after appropriate diagnostics. Instead of sending them directly for recycling, they can be tested, refurbished and put back into use.

This approach is at the heart of the REELECTRO project, which aims to develop a system for the reuse of components from refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. Through specialised diagnostics, testing and certification, functional parts can be returned to circulation, reducing the amount of waste, the consumption of raw materials and the environmental footprint associated with manufacturing new components.

How does PROZON support businesses?

For nearly 30 years, the PROZON Foundation has supported businesses in the safe and legally compliant management of equipment withdrawn from service. We offer refrigerant recovery and buy-back, collection of refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment, and support in the proper management of e-waste.

Through the REELECTRO project, we are also developing solutions that enable the reuse of functional components, supporting the transformation of the HVACR industry towards a circular economy and more efficient use of resources.

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