ODS Regulations

The European Council Regulation No 2037/2000 on ODS (ozone depleting substances) came into effect on 1 October 2000. These ODS regulations require the removal of controlled ODS from refrigeration equipment before such appliances are dismantled or disposed. This applies to the ODS in the insulating foam in the equipment, as well as to the refrigerant in the cooling system.

Upon implementation of the WEEE Regulations, the financial responsibility for the proper disposal of household fridges and freezers transferred from Local Authorities onto the Producer of the equipment, with Retailers being responsible for contributing to the costs incurred by Local Authorities in establishing a National Distributor Take Back Scheme at their Civic Amenity Sites, or alternatively offering in free In-Store Take Back.

Commercial Refrigeration, however, is not allowed to be taken to the Local Authority Civic Amenity Sites. While it is the responsibility of the Producer to finance the costs of its proper disposal, they are allowed to transfer this responsibility onto the Business End User, or if they have chosen to retain liability they must offer to take back the unit free of charge at a central collection point. It is the responsibility of the Business End User, however to pay for the costs of transporting these units to this point – which in many cases outweigh the costs of dealing with it themselves as if they are the Producer.

It is estimated that the UK population disposes of over two million domestic fridges each year and this rate is growing from year to year. In addition there are an estimated further 500,000 commercial fridge/freezer units disposed of each year in the UK.

Download 'Guidance on the new ec regulation no 2037/2000 on substance that deplete the ozone'.