Recycling refrigerant appliances presents a significant environmental challenge at the end of their lifecycle, particularly due to greenhouse gases (GHGs). However, thanks to innovative companies and programs like SORAC, recently launched in Quebec, significant advancements are being made in recycling these appliances. Here are some solutions designed to limit their environmental impact.
Founded in 2008, PureSphera specializes in recovering commercial and residential refrigeration appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, and vending machines. They dismantle and destroy refrigerant gases, particularly Freon, along with blowing agents found in the insulating walls of these appliances. These gases are harmful to the environment, contributing to global warming and damaging the ozone layer. PureSphera’s optimized recycling processes significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Mathieu Filion, General Manager of PureSphera, highlights the critical need to recover gases from both refrigeration systems and insulating foams. “These foams often contain three to four times more gas than the refrigeration systems, making them a major target in the recycling process,” he explains.
Established in 2023, the Commercial Appliance Recovery Society (Société de récupération des appareils commerciaux–SORAC ) is a RECYC-QUÉBEC-recognized organization tasked with recycling refrigeration and freezing appliances in Quebec. SORAC aims to recover 35% of appliances on the market by 2026, potentially reducing GHG emissions by approximately 5250 tons annually.
Nathalie Desjardins, Director of SORAC, describes the initiative as a way to hold manufacturers and distributors accountable for end-of-life appliance recovery, a principle known as extended producer responsibility (EPR). For appliance recycling, SORAC collaborates closely with PureSphera.
SORAC’s program is the first in Canada to focus specifically on commercial and institutional appliances, such as those used in restaurants, grocery stores, schools, medical facilities, detention centers, and laboratories. Its innovative approach involves partnering with municipalities to establish drop-off points and tailored collection systems, such as eco-centers.
The partnership between PureSphera and SORAC underscores the importance of collaboration between the private sector and organizations to tackle pressing environmental challenges. Together, they are redefining refrigerant appliance recycling and driving progress toward a sustainable future.
In conclusion, these groundbreaking initiatives provide hope in the battle against climate change. Through innovation and cooperation, we are advancing toward a future where refrigerant appliance recycling will play a pivotal role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.