Bsi bs en 50574 1 2012 (2014)

1 Scope This European Standard defines requirements for the end of life handling, transportation, storage, sorting and treatment of WEEE household appliances containing volatile fluoroc

BSI Standards Publication

Collection, logistics &

treatment requirements for end-of-life household appliances containing volatile fluorocarbons or volatile

hydrocarbons

incorporating corrigenda November 2012 and December 2014.

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee GEL/111, Electrotechnical environment committee

A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained

on request to its secretary

This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions

of a contract Users are responsible for its correct application

© The British Standards Institution 2015

Published by BSI Standards Limited 2015ISBN 978 0 580 89297 4

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

31 May 2013 Implementation of CENELEC corrigendum

November 2012 Note removed from the Scope

31 January 2015 This corrigendum renumbers BS EN 50574:2012 as

BS EN 50574-1:2012

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B - 1000 Brussels

© 2012 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members

Ref No EN 50574:2012 E

ICS 13.030.30; 13.030.40; 97.030

English version

Collection, logistics & treatment requirements for end-of-life household appliances containing volatile fluorocarbons or volatile hydrocarbons

Exigences de collecte, logistique et

traitement pour la fin de vie des appareils

domestiques contenant des

fluorocarbures volatils ou des

hydrocarbures volatils

Anforderungen an die Sammlung, Logistik und Behandlung von Altgeräten aus dem Haushalt die flüchtige

Fluorkohlenwasserstoffe oder flüchtige Kohlenwasserstoffe enthalten

This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2012-03-26 CENELEC members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration

Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CENELEC member

This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German) A version in any other language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and notified

to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre has the same status as the official versions

CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey and the United Kingdom

Contents

Foreword 3



Introduction 4



1





2





3





3.1





3.2





4





4.1





4.2





4.3





4.4





4.5





5





5.1





5.2





5.3





5.4





5.5





5.6





5.7





6





Annex A (normative) Methodology for running performance tests for step 1 treatment 16



A.1





A.2





A.3





Annex B (normative) Methodology for running performance tests for step 2 treatment 22



B.1





B.2





B.3





Annex C (informative) Overview of monitoring requirements at treatment facilities 32



Annex D (informative) Sorting requirements for heat pump tumble driers - Instructions for identifying tumble dryers containing fluorinated refrigerants 34



D.1





D.2





Contents

Foreword 3



Introduction 4



1





2





3





3.1





3.2





4





4.1





4.2





4.3





4.4





4.5





5





5.1





5.2





5.3





5.4





5.5





5.6





5.7





6





Annex A (normative) Methodology for running performance tests for step 1 treatment 16



A.1





A.2





A.3





Annex B (normative) Methodology for running performance tests for step 2 treatment 22



B.1





B.2





B.3





Annex C (informative) Overview of monitoring requirements at treatment facilities 32



Annex D (informative) Sorting requirements for heat pump tumble driers - Instructions for identifying tumble dryers containing fluorinated refrigerants 34



D.1





D.2





Foreword

This document (EN 50574:2012) was prepared by CLC/TC 111X/WG 04, "Environment - End

of life requirements for household appliances containing volatile fluorinated substances or volatile hydrocarbons"

The following dates are fixed:

• latest date by which this document has to

be implemented at national level by publication of an identical national standard

or by endorsement

(dop) 2013-03-26

• latest date by which the national standards conflicting with this document have to

be withdrawn

(dow) 2015-03-26

Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of patent rights CENELEC [and/or CEN] shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights

Introduction

This document establishes requirements for the transportation, sorting and treatment of household appliances containing volatile fluorocarbons or volatile hydrocarbons after they have been discarded as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

The methodologies for the inspection of the performance of treatment systems for household refrigerators and freezers in step 2 treatment was developed in the early 1990s The methodologies used for performance tests since then have been created to evaluate the efficiency of treatment plants designed to recover VFCs from insulating foam The evaluation criteria used for performance testing are based on the VFC content of household refrigerators and freezers that were produced in the 1970s and 1980s

The increasing appearance on the recycling market of appliances with VFC-free insulation (foamed with VHC) has had a strong impact on the general framework conditions for performance testing over the last few years In the early 1990s the quantity of R11 (a VFC) was reduced by approximately 50 % R11 was then largely phased out in favour of VHCs in the early 2000s

Consequently the expected values from step 2 treatment that had been achieved in the 1990s are no longer applicable for the appliances that are recycled today Nowadays more and more VFC-free appliances and appliances containing reduced quantities of VFC come back for recycling

The WEEE within the scope of this standard could contain substances that if released untreated to the atmosphere could contribute to ozone depletion or global warming The substances may be present in the refrigerating system and in insulating foam This standard seeks to reduce the environmental impact caused by such WEEE by defining requirements covering sorting, transportation, handling and treatment It covers how substances with a high global warming potential and/or ozone depletion potential are removed from WEEE and subsequently treated so as to significantly reduce environmental impacts

By addressing the above issues this standard supports the WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC

EN 50574:2012 – 4 –

Introduction

This document establishes requirements for the transportation, sorting and treatment of

household appliances containing volatile fluorocarbons or volatile hydrocarbons after they

have been discarded as waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE)

The methodologies for the inspection of the performance of treatment systems for household

refrigerators and freezers in step 2 treatment was developed in the early 1990s The

methodologies used for performance tests since then have been created to evaluate the

efficiency of treatment plants designed to recover VFCs from insulating foam The evaluation

criteria used for performance testing are based on the VFC content of household refrigerators

and freezers that were produced in the 1970s and 1980s

The increasing appearance on the recycling market of appliances with VFC-free insulation

(foamed with VHC) has had a strong impact on the general framework conditions for

performance testing over the last few years In the early 1990s the quantity of R11 (a VFC)

was reduced by approximately 50 % R11 was then largely phased out in favour of VHCs in

the early 2000s

Consequently the expected values from step 2 treatment that had been achieved in the 1990s

are no longer applicable for the appliances that are recycled today Nowadays more and more

VFC-free appliances and appliances containing reduced quantities of VFC come back for

recycling

The WEEE within the scope of this standard could contain substances that if released

untreated to the atmosphere could contribute to ozone depletion or global warming The

substances may be present in the refrigerating system and in insulating foam This standard

seeks to reduce the environmental impact caused by such WEEE by defining requirements

covering sorting, transportation, handling and treatment It covers how substances with a high

global warming potential and/or ozone depletion potential are removed from WEEE and

subsequently treated so as to significantly reduce environmental impacts

By addressing the above issues this standard supports the WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC

1 Scope

This European Standard defines requirements for the end of life handling, transportation, storage, sorting and treatment of WEEE household appliances containing volatile fluorocarbons, volatile hydrocarbons, or both Furthermore, this European Standard only applies to WEEE household appliances that use heat-transfer media other than water e.g refrigerators, freezers, heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners Discarded appliances covered by this European Standard will have been deposited at a collection facility as domestic WEEE

The European Standard describes requirements for the removal of volatile fluorocarbons and volatile hydrocarbons These substances can be found as refrigerant in the refrigerating system (partly dissolved in the oil) and as blowing agent in the insulating foam of discarded household appliances

NOTE This European Standard has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of Directive 2002/96/EC but does not preclude the procedures described herein from being used to treat appliances that are not commonly found in private households

It defines requirements pertaining to producers, WEEE compliance schemes (acting on behalf

of producers) and waste treatment facilities so as to ensure the provisions of applicable national laws resulting from European legislation are fulfilled These requirements are intended to define procedures, parameters based on the best available technologies at the time of the publication; however, provisions laid down by national regulatory bodies will continue to additionally apply This standard only describes the results to be achieved, it does not specify how they are to be achieved nor does it prescribe the use of any specific technology

This European Standard does not generally cover collection facilities, nor does it cover how appliances arrive at these facilities However, this standard does address the sorting of heat-pump tumble dryers from other types of tumble dryer, a task that could be performed at a collection facility

This European Standard defines requirements relating to handling, transportation, sorting and treatment of WEEE covered by the scope of this standard This standard does not include any activity prior to delivery to a logistic facility

2 Normative references

None

3 Abbreviations, terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply

3.1 Abbreviations 3.1.1

WEEE

waste electrical and electronic equipment

3.1.2 CFC

chlorofluorocarbon

3.1.3 HCFC

The European Standard describes requirements for the removal of volatile fluorocarbons and volatile hydrocarbons These substances can be found as refrigerant in the refrigerating system (partly dissolved in the oil) and as blowing agent in the insulating foam of discarded household appliances

NOTE This European Standard has been prepared to fulfil the requirements of Directive 2002/96/EC but does not preclude the procedures described herein from being used to treat appliances that are not commonly found in private households

It defines requirements pertaining to producers, WEEE compliance schemes (acting on behalf

of producers) and waste treatment facilities so as to ensure the provisions of applicable national laws resulting from European legislation are fulfilled These requirements are intended to define procedures, parameters based on the best available technologies at the time of the publication; however, provisions laid down by national regulatory bodies will continue to additionally apply This standard only describes the results to be achieved, it does not specify how they are to be achieved nor does it prescribe the use of any specific technology

This European Standard does not generally cover collection facilities, nor does it cover how appliances arrive at these facilities However, this standard does address the sorting of heat-pump tumble dryers from other types of tumble dryer, a task that could be performed at a collection facility

This European Standard defines requirements relating to handling, transportation, sorting and treatment of WEEE covered by the scope of this standard This standard does not include any activity prior to delivery to a logistic facility

2 Normative references

None

3 Abbreviations, terms and definitions

For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply

3.1 Abbreviations 3.1.1

WEEE

waste electrical and electronic equipment

3.1.2 CFC

chlorofluorocarbon

3.1.3 HCFC

hydrochlorofluorocarbon

Note 2 to entry: Collection facilities are typically registered, listed, or otherwise approved or designated in accordance with the national legislation implementing Directive 2002/96/EC (the WEEE Directive)

responsible take-back party

organisation that both a) arranges for the physical delivery of WEEE from a collection facility

or logistics facility to a treatment facility and b) ensures that environmentally sound transport and treatment is performed on behalf of producers

Note 1 to entry: Different countries have different names for responsible take-back parties

Note 2 to entry: Depending on the particular legislative provisions, The responsible take-back party could be the producer or a second party acting on their behalf (such as a WEEE Compliance Scheme)

3.2.5

handling

activity where WEEE is physically moved by workers or equipment for the intended purpose of storage, transport or treatment

Note 1 to entry: The term “WEEE from private households” is defined in Directive 2002/96/EC (the WEEE Directive)

and the terms “collection” and “separate collection” are defined in Directive 2008/98/EC (the Waste Framework

Directive)

Note 2 to entry: Collection facilities are typically registered, listed, or otherwise approved or designated in

accordance with the national legislation implementing Directive 2002/96/EC (the WEEE Directive)

3.2.2

logistics facility

location for receiving WEEE in order to sort, store, and prepare for transport, with the

intention to deliver to treatment facilities

3.2.3

storage

locating WEEE temporary prior to treatment

3.2.4

responsible take-back party

organisation that both a) arranges for the physical delivery of WEEE from a collection facility

or logistics facility to a treatment facility and b) ensures that environmentally sound transport

and treatment is performed on behalf of producers

Note 1 to entry: Different countries have different names for responsible take-back parties

Note 2 to entry: Depending on the particular legislative provisions, The responsible take-back party could be the

producer or a second party acting on their behalf (such as a WEEE Compliance Scheme)

3.2.5

handling

activity where WEEE is physically moved by workers or equipment for the intended purpose of

storage, transport or treatment

3.2.6 transport

delivery of WEEE from a collection facility or a logistics facility to a treatment facility

3.2.7 treatment

Note 1 to entry: Directive 2002/96/EC defines “treatment” as:

“any activity that takes place after WEEE has been handed over to a facility for depollution, disassembly, shredding, recovery or preparation for disposal and any other operation carried out for the recovery and/or the disposal of WEEE”

3.2.8 treatment facility

location where WEEE undergoes treatment

3.2.9 step 1 treatment

removal of VFC, VHC and oil from the refrigerating system

Note 1 to entry: Other components (i.e compressors cable, glass shelves, plastic parts, mercury switches, capacitors) can also be removed during step 1 treatment

3.2.10 step 2 treatment

removal of VFC, VHC from insulating foam

Note 1 to entry: Other fractions (i.e ferrous metals, non-ferrous metals, plastics, PU foam) can also be separated during step 2 treatment

Note 2 to entry: Step 2 treatment is not applicable for heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners if they do not contain insulating foam

3.2.11 step 3 treatment

converting VFC, VHC as a part of the treatment process into compounds that do not deplete the ozone layer

Note 1 to entry: Compounds should be considered to deplete the ozone layer are covered by EC Regulation 1005/2009

3.2.12 refrigerant

fluid used for heat transfer in a mechanical refrigerating system which absorbs heat at a low temperature and a low pressure of the fluid and rejects it at a higher temperature and higher pressure of the fluid usually involving reversible changes of the phase of the fluid

[SOURCE: ISO 817:2005]

3.2.13 refrigerating system

part that uses a refrigerant to transfer thermal energy from one part of an appliance to another part

Note 1 to entry: The refrigerating system in new appliances is hermetically sealed and typically also contains oil.

3.2.14 blowing agent

substance that is used to produce cells in the structure of an insulating foam

3.2.15

volatile fluorocarbon (VFC)

organic chemical compound consisting of carbon and fluorine atoms (in some cases also with chlorine and/or hydrogen), which is able to change phase when used as a refrigerant or produce cells in plastic structure of an insulating foam when used as a blowing agent

Note 1 to entry: Common commercial designations for these materials are R12, R11 for CFCs, R22, R141b for HCFCs and R134a for HFCs

Note 2 to entry: Chemically, volatile fluorocarbons could be either alkyl halides or alkene halides

Note 3 to entry: CFC, HCFC, HFC and HC are all VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds

3.2.16

volatile hydrocarbon (VHC)

organic chemical compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon which is able to change phase when used as a refrigerant or produce cells in plastic structure of an insulating foam when used as a blowing agent

Note 1 to entry: Common designations for volatile hydrocarbons are R290 for propane, R600a for isobutane, R1270 for propene and RC601 for cyclopentane Mixtures of VHC are also possible

quantity of blowing agent or refrigerant that is required to be recovered during treatment



Note 1 to entry: Target values could be set by e.g an industry expert group or law

Note 1 to entry: Category 3 appliances can have one or two compressors

3.2.15

volatile fluorocarbon (VFC)

organic chemical compound consisting of carbon and fluorine atoms (in some cases also with

chlorine and/or hydrogen), which is able to change phase when used as a refrigerant or

produce cells in plastic structure of an insulating foam when used as a blowing agent

Note 1 to entry: Common commercial designations for these materials are R12, R11 for CFCs, R22, R141b for

HCFCs and R134a for HFCs

Note 2 to entry: Chemically, volatile fluorocarbons could be either alkyl halides or alkene halides

Note 3 to entry: CFC, HCFC, HFC and HC are all VOCs – Volatile Organic Compounds

3.2.16

volatile hydrocarbon (VHC)

organic chemical compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon which is able to

change phase when used as a refrigerant or produce cells in plastic structure of an insulating

foam when used as a blowing agent

Note 1 to entry: Common designations for volatile hydrocarbons are R290 for propane, R600a for isobutane,

R1270 for propene and RC601 for cyclopentane Mixtures of VHC are also possible

quantity of blowing agent or refrigerant that is required to be recovered during treatment



Note 1 to entry: Target values could be set by e.g an industry expert group or law

refrigerators or combined refrigerator/freezers having a total storage capacity ranging from

0,18 m3 to 0,35 m3, as specified by the appliance manufacturer

Note 1 to entry: Category 2 appliances can have one or two compressors

3.2.21

category 3 appliances

freezers having a storage capacity of less than, or equal to, 0,50 m3 and refrigerator or

combined refrigerator/freezer having a total storage capacity greater than 0,35 m3 and less

than or equal to 0,50 m3 as specified by the appliance manufacturer

Note 1 to entry: Category 3 appliances can have one or two compressors

refrigerators or freezers or combined refrigerator/freezers that are not household appliances

Note 1 to entry: Appliances like heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners are not explicitly categorised but are taken into account in monitoring

3.2.24 Disposal

operation which is not recovery even where the operation has as a secondary consequence the reclamation of substances or energy

Note 1 to entry: Text taken from Directive 2008/98/EC

3.2.25 recovery

Note 1 to entry: Directive 2008/98/EC (the Waste Framework Directive) defines this term as:

“any operation the principal result of which is waste serving a useful purpose by replacing other materials which would otherwise have been used to fulfil a particular function, or waste being prepared to fulfil that function, in the plant or in the wider economy Annex II [from Directive 2008/98/EC] sets out a non-exhaustive list of recovery operations."

4 Requirements prior to treatment

• prevent, as far as reasonably practicable, the emission of VFCs;

• reduce the risk of explosion due to the release of VHCs by ensuring that levels and measures are consistent with health and safety legislation

NOTE 1 These measures are required to ensure that VFCs and VHCs are not released due mishandling, since leakage of VFC could damage to the environment and leakage of VHC in confined places could result in an explosion

NOTE 2 Employers should ensure that they are familiar with the general requirements for health and safety as laid down in Directive 89/391 EEC and also the particular requirements set out in Directive 1999/92/EC for the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres and Directive 94/9/EC on equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)

If leakage of oil is detected, appropriate measures shall be taken to minimise environmental impacts

4.2 Site requirements

All sites shall be secured against unauthorised access or egress

The operator shall possess infrastructure in terms of size, technologies installed, and characteristics of the operations that are suitable for the activities performed on site Suitability of site shall be assessed by an operational risk management process for all tasks performed on site and include the identification of hazards, the assessment of risk and, where appropriate, the elimination or reduction of the risk, and documentation of the process

NOTE Technical requirements for sites for storage and treatment are described in Annex III of Directive 2002/96/EC

4.3 Transportation

It is permitted to transport WEEE within the scope of this standard with other WEEE providing the WEEE covered by this standard is not damaged as a consequence of this optimisation

The WEEE within the scope of this standard shall not be crushed, compacted, or handled in a way that could damage any part of the refrigerant system or the insulating foam In particular during transportation, internal transit or when loading and unloading appliances, care shall be taken to ensure that appliances’ refrigerating systems and cabinets are not damaged

4.4 Sorting

WEEE within the scope of this standard shall be separated from other WEEE at logistic facilities and delivered to treatment facilities primarily specialized in the treatment of WEEE containing VFCs or VHCs This sorting shall only be performed by trained or adequately supervised personnel

To ensure that heat pump tumble dryers are treated correctly, as a precondition it is necessary that they are first identified and correctly sorted (see Annex D).The treatment of these appliances containing VFC shall be carried out only at facilities that perform step 1 treatment

NOTE Treating WEEE without first separating appliances within the scope of this standard from other WEEE could result in emission of substances that are either harmful to the environment or present a risk of fire or explosion

Separating VHC-containing appliances from VFC-containing appliances for separate treatment is only permitted if analytical evidence exists that identifies the blowing agents for each appliance

4.5 Compliance criteria

Parties responsible for any action covered by 4.1 through 4.4 shall have procedures in place

to ensure and document compliance with the requirements set there

These procedures (e.g trainings, operational measures) and their regular approval shall be documented (for instance as part of that organisation’s quality, environmental, or health and safety management system) and periodically audited The results of such audits shall be made available to the party having responsibility for the quality of WEEE delivered for treatment on request (normally the responsible take-back party)

5 Requirements for treatment facilities

5.1 General

The operator of the treatment facility shall ensure that all removed VFCs and VHCs are captured and subsequently disposed of, or recovered, in accordance with requirements set by the responsible take back parties Removed VFCs, VHCs and mixtures thereof shall either be transported to an authorised facility for recovery or disposal, or recovered or destroyed by on-site conversion

NOTE 1 Requirements for transportation are given by national measures implementing the “Accord européen relatif

au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route” (ADR)

NOTE 2 Recovery and destruction of used controlled ozone depleting substances is covered by EC Regulation No 1005/2009

Separated VFCs shall be converted by a suitable process so that they no longer have the potential for causing depletion of the ozone layer Where the VFCs are sent for conversion to

a facility remote from the treatment facility, records of bills or delivery sheets shall be documented and maintained

NOTE 3 All treatment facilities that treat WEEE in accordance with this standard will need to comply with explosion protection measures Refer to Directive 1999/92/EC on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres and Directive 94/9/EC on the approximation of the laws of the Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially explosive atmospheres (ATEX)

The WEEE within the scope of this standard shall not be crushed, compacted, or handled in a

way that could damage any part of the refrigerant system or the insulating foam In particular

during transportation, internal transit or when loading and unloading appliances, care shall be

taken to ensure that appliances’ refrigerating systems and cabinets are not damaged

4.4 Sorting

WEEE within the scope of this standard shall be separated from other WEEE at logistic

facilities and delivered to treatment facilities primarily specialized in the treatment of WEEE

containing VFCs or VHCs This sorting shall only be performed by trained or adequately

supervised personnel

To ensure that heat pump tumble dryers are treated correctly, as a precondition it is

necessary that they are first identified and correctly sorted (see Annex D).The treatment of

these appliances containing VFC shall be carried out only at facilities that perform step 1

treatment

NOTE Treating WEEE without first separating appliances within the scope of this standard from other WEEE could

result in emission of substances that are either harmful to the environment or present a risk of fire or explosion

Separating VHC-containing appliances from VFC-containing appliances for separate

treatment is only permitted if analytical evidence exists that identifies the blowing agents for

each appliance

4.5 Compliance criteria

Parties responsible for any action covered by 4.1 through 4.4 shall have procedures in place

to ensure and document compliance with the requirements set there

These procedures (e.g trainings, operational measures) and their regular approval shall be

documented (for instance as part of that organisation’s quality, environmental, or health and

safety management system) and periodically audited The results of such audits shall be

made available to the party having responsibility for the quality of WEEE delivered for

treatment on request (normally the responsible take-back party)

5 Requirements for treatment facilities

5.1 General

The operator of the treatment facility shall ensure that all removed VFCs and VHCs are

captured and subsequently disposed of, or recovered, in accordance with requirements set by

the responsible take back parties Removed VFCs, VHCs and mixtures thereof shall either be

transported to an authorised facility for recovery or disposal, or recovered or destroyed by

on-site conversion

NOTE 1 Requirements for transportation are given by national measures implementing the “Accord européen relatif

au transport international des marchandises dangereuses par route” (ADR)

NOTE 2 Recovery and destruction of used controlled ozone depleting substances is covered by EC Regulation No

1005/2009

Separated VFCs shall be converted by a suitable process so that they no longer have the

potential for causing depletion of the ozone layer Where the VFCs are sent for conversion to

a facility remote from the treatment facility, records of bills or delivery sheets shall be

documented and maintained

NOTE 3 All treatment facilities that treat WEEE in accordance with this standard will need to comply with explosion

protection measures Refer to Directive 1999/92/EC on minimum requirements for improving the safety and health

protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres and Directive 94/9/EC on the approximation of

the laws of the Member States concerning equipment and protective systems intended for use in potentially

explosive atmospheres (ATEX)

NOTE 4 Attention is drawn to the fact that national emission limits on VFCs and VHCs may apply

NOTE 5 In practice, explosions inside shredders can be avoided by controlling ambient conditions Examples of measures to control those conditions include a) dilution of the VHC fraction in the local atmosphere by blowing air into the process or, b) reduction of the oxygen content by substituting air with inert gases and c) using alternative explosion proof processing-technologies

All separated VFCs and VHCs or admixtures thereof shall be carefully stored, handled and transported to avoid any emissions before their recovery or destruction

5.2 Step 1 treatment

This section applies to all WEEE within the scope of this standard

1) All refrigerants and all oil shall be removed from the refrigerating system;

2) All refrigerants shall be separated from oil;

3) All oil shall be contained within a closed system until the concentration of refrigerant is below 0,2 % w/w VFC;

NOTE The VFC content should be measured and expressed as concentration of R12 in the oil

4) No residual VFC within the oil shall be allowed to be released to the atmosphere;

5) The total mass of refrigerants removed from the refrigerating system (sum of VHCs and VFCs) shall be monitored and documented continuously

5.3 Step 2 treatment

This section applies to WEEE containing insulating foam with either VFCs or VHCs

1) The treatment of appliances in step 2 is normally carried out with step 1 treated appliances (called “cabinets”);

2) Insulating foam shall not be manually removed;

NOTE 1 Future insulation material technologies may necessitate a manual dismantling of insulating foam.

3) The crushing of cabinets and the separation of crushed fractions shall be performed in a way so that emissions of VFCs and VHCs to the atmosphere are minimised according to national legislation;

4) The residual content of VFCs contained in the separated metal and plastics fractions shall be minimised;

5) The residual VFCs within the crushed insulating foam shall not be released to the atmosphere They shall be converted into compounds that do not deplete the ozone layer;

NOTE 2 The conversion into non-ozone depleting substances is necessary according to EC Regulation No 1005/2009.

6) The total mass of blowing agent (sum of VHCs and VFCs) removed from the insulating foam shall be monitored and documented continuously

5.4 Step 3 treatment

Where the VFCs are being converted on site into compounds that do not deplete the ozone layer, continuous recorded input data for raw gas and output data for clean gas shall be

monitored and documented continuously (see 5.5 (7) and 8)) and 5.6) The documentation shall include mass flow and concentration of VFCs to demonstrate that the conversion is effective

NOTE A comprehensive assessment of technologies available for the destruction of ozone depleting substances in line with the Montreal Protocol has been produced by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP), who operate under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

5.5 Monitoring

The following information shall be captured by the treatment facility daily Annex C provides a flow chart giving an overview of monitoring requirements at treatment facilities

1) Input into the receiving area

− Total mass of incoming appliances per delivery (i.e container mass from truck scale);

− Total mass of appliances and other waste per delivery not being treated in step 1

NOTE 1 With that data the total input mass into step 1 can be calculated

2) Input to step 1 treatment (as described in 5.2)

− Number of refrigerators, freezers (and number of compressors) and household appliances differentiated in accordance with the existing refrigerant in the refrigerating system (VFCs, VHCs and NH3);

non-− Number of heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners;

− Number of appliances where the refrigerating system is defective such that a loss

of refrigerant is expected

NOTE 2 The distinction between defective and intact refrigerating systems can be based on: visual inspection (no compressor/damaged refrigerating systems), manometer control (amplitude yes/no), and bubble formation in inspection glass

3) Output of step 1 treatment

− Total mass of all fractions recovered from step 1 treatment;

− Total mass of all refrigerants (both VFCs and VHCs) and oil from the step 1 treatment

Each change of collection vessel shall be documented and be accompanied by the number of discarded appliances that have been treated since the last change of collection vessel Where oil and/or refrigerant are immediately destroyed by converting points 7) and 8) shall be considered;

4) Number and total mass of appliances/cabinets not treated in the step 2 treatment of the system

− Glass wool/expanded polystyrene appliances,

− Heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners

5) Input to step 2 treatment as described in 5.3:

− Number and total mass of cabinets per category (as defined in 3.2) differentiated

in accordance with the blowing agent in the insulating foam (VFCs and VHCs);

monitored and documented continuously (see 5.5 (7) and 8)) and 5.6) The documentation

shall include mass flow and concentration of VFCs to demonstrate that the conversion is

effective

NOTE A comprehensive assessment of technologies available for the destruction of ozone depleting substances in

line with the Montreal Protocol has been produced by the Technology and Economic Assessment Panel (TEAP),

who operate under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

5.5 Monitoring

The following information shall be captured by the treatment facility daily Annex C provides a

flow chart giving an overview of monitoring requirements at treatment facilities

1) Input into the receiving area

− Total mass of incoming appliances per delivery (i.e container mass from truck scale);

− Total mass of appliances and other waste per delivery not being treated in step 1

NOTE 1 With that data the total input mass into step 1 can be calculated

2) Input to step 1 treatment (as described in 5.2)

− Number of refrigerators, freezers (and number of compressors) and household appliances differentiated in accordance with the existing refrigerant in

non-the refrigerating system (VFCs, VHCs and NH3);

− Number of heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners;

− Number of appliances where the refrigerating system is defective such that a loss

of refrigerant is expected

NOTE 2 The distinction between defective and intact refrigerating systems can be based on: visual inspection

(no compressor/damaged refrigerating systems), manometer control (amplitude yes/no), and bubble formation in

inspection glass

3) Output of step 1 treatment

− Total mass of all fractions recovered from step 1 treatment;

− Total mass of all refrigerants (both VFCs and VHCs) and oil from the step 1 treatment

Each change of collection vessel shall be documented and be accompanied by the number of

discarded appliances that have been treated since the last change of collection vessel Where

oil and/or refrigerant are immediately destroyed by converting points 7) and 8) shall be

considered;

4) Number and total mass of appliances/cabinets not treated in the step 2 treatment of the

system

− Glass wool/expanded polystyrene appliances,

− Heat pump tumble dryers, de-humidifiers and portable air conditioners

5) Input to step 2 treatment as described in 5.3:

− Number and total mass of cabinets per category (as defined in 3.2) differentiated

in accordance with the blowing agent in the insulating foam (VFCs and VHCs);

− Number of cabinets with and without doors and single doors shall be reported

NOTE 3 In case there is a direct flow from step 1 to step 2, the determination of categories and insulating foam may be done at step 1

6) Output of step 2 treatment

− Mass of all fractions recovered from the step 2 treatment;

− Mass of blowing agents (VFCs and VHCs from step 2 treatment), except where blowing agents are immediately destroyed in a converting system (step 3) For those cases point 7) and 8) shall be considered

Each change of collection vessel shall be monitored and documented and be accompanied by the number of discarded appliances that have been treated since the last change of collection vessel

7) Input to step 3 treatment

− for installations with converting system (step 3) continuous recorded input data for raw gas mass flow (concentration and volume stream at standard temperature and pressure) of VFCs (output step 1 and 2 separately)

ϴͿ



For installations with converting system (step 3) continuous recorded output data for exhaust gas mass flow (concentration and volume stream at standard temperature and pressure) of VFCs

1) Sample analyses related to recovery or disposal of VFC/VHC:

− Chemical composition of the output refrigerants (VFCs/VHCs) from the step 1 treatment (one analysis per collection vessel delivered for destruction) Not applicable for systems with converting system (step 3)

− Chemical composition of the output blowing agents (VFCs/VHCs) from the step 2 treatment (one analysis per collection vessel delivered for destruction) A regular volumetric separation of phases (water, blowing agent) is necessary for proper calculation of recovered VFCs/VHCs Not applicable for systems with converting system (step 3)

− Remaining blowing agent concentration VFCs/VHCs in the PU-fraction (residual blowing agent)

− Remaining refrigerant concentration (VFCs/VHCs) in the oil

− Remaining quantities of PU in the metal and plastics fractions

Acknowledged standard procedures for all analyses shall be followed

2) Information related to final treatment of fractions:

− Place of delivery, total mass, and technology applied for each non metal fraction

NOTE Plausibility of reported data can be ensured by visual inspection of accounting documents Evidence can be provided by controlling invoices, delivery sheet, etc.



−



5.7 Compliance criteria

Compliance with the requirements described in this document shall be audited annually, in line with best practice of implementing quality management systems Results of these audits shall be documented and be made available to contract partners

NOTE 1 Due to the different structures of implementing the requirements of the WEEE Directive within the EU it is not possible to define which party should carry out the above auditing, nor who should be responsible for collating audit results

To comply with this standard WEEE treatment companies shall at least fulfil the requirements described in 5.1 - 5.6 and also the following criteria:

1) The mass of VFCs separated from the refrigerating system in a performance test shall be regularly determined (see Annex A);

NOTE 2 Annex A is not used to determine the mass of VHCs recovered due to their low quantity of a lower density fluid

2) The oil shall not contain more than 0,2 % VFC (sample analysis test as required in 5.6);

NOTE 3 The VFC content should be measured and expressed as concentration of R12 in the oil

3) The mass of VFCs and VHCs separated from the insulating foam in a performance test shall be regularly determined (see Annex B);

4) The residual blowing agent concentration in the PU fraction shall not exceed 0,2 % VFC (sample analysis tests as required in 5.6);

5) Residues of the insulating foams contained in the ferrous and the non-ferrous metal fraction are to be kept below 0,3 % (sample analysis test as required in 5.6);

6) Residues of insulating foams contained in the plastics fraction are to be kept below 0,5 % (sample analysis test as required in 5.6)

6 Responsible take-back party    General

Responsible take-back parties shall ensure that companies having responsibility for transportation, sorting and storage fulfil their obligations as defined in this in 4.1 - 4.5

− Remaining quantities of PU in the metal and plastics fractions

Acknowledged standard procedures for all analyses shall be followed

2) Information related to final treatment of fractions:

− Place of delivery, total mass, and technology applied for each non metal fraction

NOTE Plausibility of reported data can be ensured by visual inspection of accounting documents Evidence can be

provided by controlling invoices, delivery sheet, etc.



−

regularly proved Measurement equipment used within the process shall be regularly checked.



5.7 Compliance criteria

Compliance with the requirements described in this document shall be audited annually, in

line with best practice of implementing quality management systems Results of these audits

shall be documented and be made available to contract partners

NOTE 1 Due to the different structures of implementing the requirements of the WEEE Directive within the EU it is

not possible to define which party should carry out the above auditing, nor who should be responsible for collating

audit results

To comply with this standard WEEE treatment companies shall at least fulfil the requirements

described in 5.1 - 5.6 and also the following criteria:

1) The mass of VFCs separated from the refrigerating system in a performance test shall be

regularly determined (see Annex A);

NOTE 2 Annex A is not used to determine the mass of VHCs recovered due to their low quantity of a lower density

fluid

2) The oil shall not contain more than 0,2 % VFC (sample analysis test as required in 5.6);

NOTE 3 The VFC content should be measured and expressed as concentration of R12 in the oil

3) The mass of VFCs and VHCs separated from the insulating foam in a performance test

shall be regularly determined (see Annex B);

4) The residual blowing agent concentration in the PU fraction shall not exceed 0,2 % VFC

(sample analysis tests as required in 5.6);

5) Residues of the insulating foams contained in the ferrous and the non-ferrous metal

fraction are to be kept below 0,3 % (sample analysis test as required in 5.6);

6) Residues of insulating foams contained in the plastics fraction are to be kept below 0,5 %

(sample analysis test as required in 5.6)

6 Responsible take-back party    General

Responsible take-back parties shall ensure that companies having responsibility for

transportation, sorting and storage fulfil their obligations as defined in this in 4.1 - 4.5

Responsible take-back parties shall ensure that treatment operators fulfil all requirements as described in 5.7

Responsible take-back parties shall define target values for the recovery of VFCs and VHCs for step 2 treatment (

tv

tv

fVHC) and PU mass of single categories (

w

w

w

)

Responsible take-back parties shall define treatment requirements for daily business based

on the results of performance tests according to Annex A and B

NOTE 1 The defined treatment requirements should be regularly reviewed If a long term analysis of monitored and reported indicators (5.5 - 5.6) shows that the recoverable amounts of refrigerant has considerably changed, the defined target values should be reassessed and adapted accordingly

Responsible take-back parties shall define how often performance tests according to Annex A and B should be done at treatment facilities

NOTE 2 A common way of achieving the above is to include such provisions within their contracts with treatment companies

NOTE 3 Within many countries in Europe, storage and sorting and the associated quality control measures are not typically directly carried out or controlled by responsible take-back parties

Annex A

(normative)

Methodology for running performance tests for step 1 treatment

A.1 Introduction

This annex defines the required performance criteria to achieve step 1 treatment

Where covered by the scope of this standard, the method shall be used to evaluate the performance of evacuating refrigerants from appliances During the test the refrigerant and oil contained in the refrigerating system are extracted by reduced pressure The mass of each individual appliance is documented before and after treatment (to check plausibility) The mass of collection vessels for oil and VFCs are also documented before and at the end of the test: these values are then compared Components or other parts that would be normally removed during step 1 shall not removed before each appliance is weighed

A.2 Operating conditions, test preparation, and test procedures of the

performance test

The following procedure shall be followed in order to determine the performance of step 1 systems:

Analyse the plant’s monitoring documents (see 5.5) covering step 1 processing over the three months prior to testing in order to determine the average plant throughput in appliances per hour

Select a sample to be used in the test with sufficient intact refrigerators and/or freezers containing either R12 or R134a as refrigerant Based on visual inspection, the appliances in the sample shall be undamaged and shall each contain only one compressor and a readable rating plate stating the mass of refrigerant originally contained in the appliance

If, during the test, an appliance is identified as having a defective refrigerating system, the appliance shall be substituted by an intact appliance

The mass of the vessel used to collect the refrigerant and the oil shall be measured to an accuracy of at least ± 0,1kg (± 100 g) The capacity of the vessel shall be sufficient for the whole amount of VFCs recovered during the performance test

The throughput rate used during step 1 testing shall differ by no more than 10 % from the average plant throughput rate For each appliance being treated all the refrigerant and oil contained in each appliances’ refrigerating system shall be transferred to the collecting vessel mentioned in A.2.3 Each appliance is weighed with an accuracy of ± 0,01kg (± 10 g) before and after extraction of the refrigerant and the oil All visible losses of VFCs, oil, water or other materials that could influence the mass balance which is observed or identified during the performance test shall be recorded and taken into account in the evaluation

NOTE 1 System pressure conditions in refrigerating system can be recorded (pressure, no pressure) if desired

Annex A

(normative)

Methodology for running performance tests for step 1 treatment

A.1 Introduction

This annex defines the required performance criteria to achieve step 1 treatment

Where covered by the scope of this standard, the method shall be used to evaluate the

performance of evacuating refrigerants from appliances During the test the refrigerant and oil

contained in the refrigerating system are extracted by reduced pressure The mass of each

individual appliance is documented before and after treatment (to check plausibility) The

mass of collection vessels for oil and VFCs are also documented before and at the end of the

test: these values are then compared Components or other parts that would be normally

removed during step 1 shall not removed before each appliance is weighed

A.2 Operating conditions, test preparation, and test procedures of the

performance test

The following procedure shall be followed in order to determine the performance of step 1

systems:

Analyse the plant’s monitoring documents (see 5.5) covering step 1 processing over the three

months prior to testing in order to determine the average plant throughput in appliances per

hour

Select a sample to be used in the test with sufficient intact refrigerators and/or freezers

containing either R12 or R134a as refrigerant Based on visual inspection, the appliances in

the sample shall be undamaged and shall each contain only one compressor and a readable

rating plate stating the mass of refrigerant originally contained in the appliance

If, during the test, an appliance is identified as having a defective refrigerating system, the

appliance shall be substituted by an intact appliance

The mass of the vessel used to collect the refrigerant and the oil shall be measured to an

accuracy of at least ± 0,1kg (± 100 g) The capacity of the vessel shall be sufficient for the

whole amount of VFCs recovered during the performance test

The throughput rate used during step 1 testing shall differ by no more than 10 % from the

average plant throughput rate For each appliance being treated all the refrigerant and oil

contained in each appliances’ refrigerating system shall be transferred to the collecting vessel

mentioned in A.2.3 Each appliance is weighed with an accuracy of ± 0,01kg (± 10 g) before

and after extraction of the refrigerant and the oil All visible losses of VFCs, oil, water or other

materials that could influence the mass balance which is observed or identified during the

performance test shall be recorded and taken into account in the evaluation

NOTE 1 System pressure conditions in refrigerating system can be recorded (pressure, no pressure) if

desired

NOTE 2 For extraction systems that use a drilling head it is recommended to first place the appliance on the scale before extraction of the refrigerant

The performance test is finished as soon as 100 appliances, all proven to be intact, have been treated If all of the refrigerating systems have been completely emptied, the mass of the collecting vessel described in A.2.3 is measured with an accuracy of at least ± 0,1 kg (±100 g)

The condition of all considered refrigerating systems shall be documented in order to determine the fraction of defective units during the test

NOTE This ensures that 100 intact appliances undergoing treated is fulfilled

To evaluate step 1 performance, the following quantities shall be measured (see detailed parameters and formulae in A.2):

• Total mass of VFC recovered (outR) in kg (The mass of compressed air in the vessel shall

be taken into account)

• Total mass of oil recovered (outL) in kg

• Total mass of refrigerant as indicated on the rating plate (RI) in kg

• Total mass reduction (S) of all appliances after vacuum extraction has been completed in

kg

• Number of defective appliances (T)

The following quantities shall be determined while taking into account the number of defective appliances or other observations:

a) Mass balance: the ratio between (outR + outL) to (S) is a measure of the total system

performance with respect to the quantity of the overall recovered oil and refrigerant

(identified by qMtot)

b) VFC recovery performance: the ratio between (outR) to (RI) is a measure of the system

performance with respect to the recovery of VFC (identified by qR)

NOTE 1 The ratio between (outR) to (S – outL) is a measure of the system performance with respect to the

recovery of VFCs In case of a good mass balance this value can confirm the calculated VFC recovery performance

(identified by qMR )

c) Defective refrigeration systems: the ratio of the quantity of VFC in a refrigeration system (mass of VFC as specified on the rating plate) to the actual reduction in the mass of that appliance during extraction of VFC is used to identify potentially defective refrigeration

system The corresponding parameter (t) in % is calculated as ratio of the single mass of VFC originally present in the refrigeration system (as stated on the rating plate) (Rk)) to

the actual reduction in mass due to the extraction of a mixture of VFC and oil (Sk)

NOTE 2 Figure t is fixed for a certain ratio of the potentially recoverable quantity of VFC to the effective

reduction in mass (identified by tmax) Refrigeration systems with a figure t higher than tmax are declared to be

defective, provided the refrigeration systems are empty at the end of the evacuation process tmax is specified according to the formula in A.2.2 or defined by the responsible take-back party

NOTE 3 It is recommended that for the evaluation of evacuation performance in correspondence with the number of compressors a minimum of two evacuated compressors should be opened horizontally That can be done best at a height of approximately 2/3 with a flexible-blade saw so that the motor can be removed The remaining quantity of oil should be recorded and the compressor photographed

d) Quantity of VFC per refrigeration system: the ratio between (outR) and the number of intact refrigeration systems (I) is the quantity of VFC recovered per single refrigeration system (identified by VR)

e) Quantity of oil per refrigeration systems: the ratio between (outL) and the number of refrigeration systems containing oil (N) provides the quantity of oil recovered per refrigeration system (identified by VL)

f) Residual VFC content in the oil: a sample of degassed oil is sent to an external laboratory

in a gastight container in order to have the residual content of VFC as concentration of R12 (or alternatively the total halogen content if required) determined

The performance test is passed:

• if the VFC recovery performance is not lower than 0,9, and

• the oil from the refrigeration system does not contain more than 0,2 % VFC

A.3 Calculations for performance test step 1

A.3.1 General

The performance test shall only be carried out on refrigerating systems containing volatile halogenated hydrocarbons R12 or R134a, it is not carried out on appliances containing volatile fluorocarbons Specific indices in parameters and formulae are avoided

Input step 1

• Total number of refrigerating systems (k) evacuated

(exclusively from categories 1-3, no size differentiation,

containing either R12 or R134a)

• Single mass of VFC sucked off (acc to rating plate) g R k

• Total mass of recovered VFC (in tank, less VFC in

• Ratio of VFC (acc to rating plate) to mass of mixture of

• Maximal ratio of VFC (acc to rating plate) to mass of

mixture of VFC and oil sucked off above which

refrigerating systems are to be regarded as defective

t max

• Total number of refrigerating systems, irrespective of their

• Total number of intact refrigerating systems (exclusively

from categories 1-3, no size differentiation, containing

either R12 or R134a)

I

• Ratio of defective refrigerating systems to total number of o T

e) Quantity of oil per refrigeration systems: the ratio between (outL) and the number of

refrigeration systems containing oil (N) provides the quantity of oil recovered per

refrigeration system (identified by VL)

f) Residual VFC content in the oil: a sample of degassed oil is sent to an external laboratory

in a gastight container in order to have the residual content of VFC as concentration of

R12 (or alternatively the total halogen content if required) determined

The performance test is passed:

• if the VFC recovery performance is not lower than 0,9, and

• the oil from the refrigeration system does not contain more than 0,2 % VFC

A.3 Calculations for performance test step 1

A.3.1 General

The performance test shall only be carried out on refrigerating systems containing volatile

halogenated hydrocarbons R12 or R134a, it is not carried out on appliances containing

volatile fluorocarbons Specific indices in parameters and formulae are avoided

Input step 1

• Total number of refrigerating systems (k) evacuated

(exclusively from categories 1-3, no size differentiation,

containing either R12 or R134a)

• Single mass of VFC sucked off (acc to rating plate) g R k

• Total mass of recovered VFC (in tank, less VFC in

• Ratio of VFC (acc to rating plate) to mass of mixture of

• Maximal ratio of VFC (acc to rating plate) to mass of

mixture of VFC and oil sucked off above which

refrigerating systems are to be regarded as defective

t max

• Total number of refrigerating systems, irrespective of their

• Total number of intact refrigerating systems (exclusively

from categories 1-3, no size differentiation, containing

either R12 or R134a)

I

• Ratio of defective refrigerating systems to total number of o T

refrigerating systems considered for the test, irrespective

• Total mass of VFC sucked off (acc to rating plate) kg R

• Total mass of VFC of intact appliances (potentially

• Rate of oil recovery (based on potentially recoverable

A.3.3 Formulae

• Ratio of VFC (acc to rating plate) to mass of mixture of VFC and oil

t max

{ } t

quantile

t

≈ 80 %

• Total number of refrigerating systems considered for the test, irrespective

I = −