To whom does recovered refrigerant belong?

The recovered refrigerant belongs to the equipment owner because they are responsible for the refrigerant contained within their HVAC or refrigeration systems. When refrigerant is recovered during servicing, it remains the property of the owner, and they retain the rights and responsibilities regarding its management, including proper disposal and recovery protocols.

This ownership also ensures that the equipment owner is held accountable for any environmental regulations concerning the handling and disposal of refrigerants, which can be harmful to the environment. Therefore, it is crucial for the equipment owner to ensure that the recovered refrigerant is handled according to legal and safety standards.

While technicians may handle the refrigerant during servicing, their role does not grant them ownership of the material. Local waste disposal services are involved in the process of disposing of or reclaiming the refrigerant but do not own it themselves. Similarly, the manufacturer of the refrigerant does not automatically assume ownership after the refrigerant is purchased and used in equipment.