To:       CAWA Members 

CARB has asked CAWA to disseminate information on small can refrigerants to its members and the automotive aftermarket industry. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers are required to report monthly and annual sales of "small can" product to each of their customers. For background information and to obtain annual reporting forms, click on this link http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/hfc-mac/hfcdiy/hfcdiy.htm. Also for more information regarding compliance with this CARB regulation, contact our California Legislative Advocate, Gary Conover at 916.492.0892 or [email protected].

Background 

In January 2009 the Board approved the mobile air conditioning (MAC) regulation to reduce emissions associated with the use of small containers of automotive refrigerant. Do-it-yourself (DIY) practitioners can purchase HFC-134a refrigerant in small containers holding between 2 ounces and 2 pounds of refrigerant to recharge their MAC system. Typically a traditional container is not fully emptied during the recharging process since the air conditioning system may only require a portion of the container and due to incorrect technique by DIY users. With a traditionally designed container, any unused refrigerant is almost immediately vented to the atmosphere. 

This regulation applies to the sale, use, and disposal of small containers of automotive refrigerant with a GWP greater than 150. The regulation achieves emission reductions through implementation of four requirements: 1) use of a self-sealing valve on the container, 2) improved labeling instructions, 3) a deposit and recycling program for small containers, and 4) an education program that emphasizes best practices for vehicle recharging. This regulation went into effect on January 1, 2010 with a one-year sell-through period for containers manufactured before January 1, 2010. The target recycle rate is initially set at 90%, and rises to 95% beginning January 1, 2012.