Gas-supplier BOC – together with Recovery Trust and Patton Ltd is encouraging New Zealand businesses to think sustainably this year by safely disposing of their unwanted refrigerants.
Mechanical workshops and fleet operators are just some of the groups being trader
Jamie Burley, general manager, sales New Zealand, says the group is working to increase the number of regional collection points offered through the annual Refrigerant Recovery Program this year.
“We are excited to be part of this nationwide initiative which offers businesses the opportunity to safely dispose of their unwanted refrigerant gases particularly chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which can be ozone-depleting if released in the atmosphere,” says Burley. “Many older refrigeration and air conditioning units still contain these gases so it’s vital they are destroyed when a unit comes to the end of its life.
“This year, as well as being able to drop off used refrigerants at a number of permanent Patton locations, businesses will be able to drop off cylinders at several of our BOC Gas & Gear stores in Whangarei, Gisborne, Napier, Blenheim, Greymouth, Timaru and Dunedin.”
Recovery Trust has now collected and destroyed over 310,000 kilograms of unwanted refrigerants saving over 420,000 tonnes of ozone and reducing the build-up of greenhouse gases by up to 300,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
“We encourage any profession from refrigeration and air-conditioning specialists to supermarket operators and mechanics to drop off their unwanted refrigerants to their local collection point,” says Burley. “Both Patton and BOC will accept approved cylinders and containers with quantities above 10 kilograms at no charge to the participant.”
BOC’s first collection has kicked-off at Whangarei Gas & Gear located at 54 Rewa Rewa Road, Whangarei and will conclude 27 April 2015.
A full-list of collection points can be found here
