A new disposable refrigerant cylinder recycling programme

Drop-A-JUG is the latest initiative from A-Gas to curb the number of refrigerant cylinders being incorrectly disposed of

A practical solution to New Zealand’s disposable cylinder problem, Drop-A-JUG is a free and easy recycling programme that provides HVAC&R professionals with a convenient and environmentally responsible way to recycle used disposable refrigerant cylinders.

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 into the atmosphere.

Under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008, refrigerants have been declared a priority product by The Ministry for the Environment, which means all importers, distributors, resellers and owners of refrigerant 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.

“The responsible management of used disposable refrigerant cylinders is another way the industry can

transition towards a net-zero future,” says Mitch Williamson, Country Manager, A-Gas (New Zealand).

“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 programme will capture even 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 can play an important role in helping the industry reduce its emissions by becoming a Drop-a-JUG drop-off point and can register here https://www.agas. com/nz/products-and-services/drop-a-jug/register/.