Life cycle assessment of the treatment and recycling of refrigeration equipment containing CFCs and hydrocarbons (Final report)

This life cycle assessment (LCA) was commissioned by the RAL Quality Assurance Association for the Demanufacture of Refrigeration Equipment. Its objective is to make an ecological comparison of the different disposal channels for waste domestic refrigeration appliances containing CFCs and hydrocarbons that could arise from potential changes to the WEEE Directive. The study was carried out in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044. It also includes a critical review by Mr Giegrich of the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research (Institut für Energie- und Umweltforschung) in Heidelberg. Assistance was also provided by Dr Keri of the Austrian Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment and Water Management (Bundesministerium für Land- und Forstwirtschaft, Umwelt und Wasserwirtschaft), Mr Schmit of the Luxembourg State Environmental Agency (Umweltamt) and Mr Hornberger and Ms Janusz-Renault of the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation (Fraunhofer-Institut für Produktionstechnik und Automatisierung).