Automotive Waste Disposal: Refrigerants, Brake Cleaners, and Equipment Degreasers

As a service to auto shop owners, mechanics, and environmental compliance officers, this entry is a compendium about the hows, whys, and wherefores surrounding automotive refrigerants, brake cleaners, equipment degreasers, and automotive waste disposal generally. Q&As include:

1. Why does everyone talk about the ozone layer when it comes to automotive waste disposal?
2. What is ODP relative to automotive waste disposal?
3. What ever happened to Freon relative to automotive waste disposal?
4. How are CFCs and HCFCs dangerous relative to automotive waste disposal?
5. What automotive refrigerants have replaced R12 and R22?
6. Are R134a and R1234yf as effective as were R12 and R22?
7. What modifications are needed for automotive ACs to run on R134a?
8. What modifications are needed for automotive ACs to run on R1234yf?
9. What are brake cleaners and equipment degreasers?
10. Is brake cleaner disposal and/or equipment degreaser disposal an environmental hazard?
11. What are the legal and regulatory requirements for disposing of brake cleaners and equipment degreasers?

1. Why does everyone talk about the ozone layer when it comes to automotive waste disposal?

Good question. The ozone layer is a region of Earth’s stratosphere that contains a high concentration of ozone. (No surprise there.) It’s conveniently located about 10 to 30 miles above Earth’s surface and plays a crucial role in protecting earthly life by absorbing most of the sun’s harmful UVB rays, which can cause skin cancer, cataracts, harm ecosystems, and generally make itself a nuisance. Without the ozone layer, life as we know it would eventually cease, which is a good reason to sit up and take notice. (See Q.2)

2. What is ODP relative to automotive waste disposal?

ODP (Ozone Depletion Potential) is a measure of the relative ability of a substance to deplete the ozone layer as compared (usually) to trichlorofluoromethane. Thus, the ODP is a measure of something’s contribution to ozone depletion over a given period (typically 100 years). The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty adopted in 1987, aims to phase out the use of ozone-depleting substances based on their ODP. Probably a good thing.

3. What ever happened to Freon relative to automotive waste disposal?

Metaphorically, if you look up ODP in the dictionary, Freon’s picture is beside it (see Q.2). Often referred to as R12 or R22, Freon is a brand name that’s become more or less synonymous with CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons) and HCFCs (hydrochlorofluorocarbons), each of which were once commonly used as refrigerants in automotive air conditioning.

In many countries under the Montreal Protocol, starting in 1996, R12 and R22 were gradually phased out and effectively banned for most uses. More specifically, 2015 saw the complete global phase-out of R12, with no production or import allowed for automotive use. In 2010, the U.S. stopped the production of R22 for automotive air conditioning. In 2020, the full global phase-out of R22 for new equipment took effect.

4. How are CFCs and HCFCs dangerous relative to automotive waste disposal?

Once released into the atmosphere, CFCs eventually rise to the stratosphere, where ultraviolet radiation breaks them down. This releases chlorine atoms, causing ozone atoms to break apart into oxygen molecules, displacing the amount of ozone in the stratosphere, which is dangerous for the reasons cited above (see Q.1).

Ditto for HCFCs, although they aren’t quite as mean to the ozone layer as their CFC cousins. This is because the addition of hydrogen makes HCFCs less stable and thereby relatively less harmful to ozone chemistry. In fact, HCFCs were introduced as a transitional substitute for CFCs, but their use is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

5. What automotive refrigerants have replaced R12 and R22?

R12 and R22 have each been deposed by R134a, which is nowadays the standard replacement refrigerant for automotive air conditioning systems. It’s an HFC that doesn’t harm the ozone layer. But despite its relative eco-virtues, R134a is nevertheless a greenhouse gas. Thus, every dog has its day, and something called R1234yf is becoming the preferred choice, as it sports a much lower global warming potential (GWP). (See Q.8)

6. Are R134a and R1234yf as effective as were R12 and R22?

Of course not, although saying so is impolitic. R134a performs well in terms of efficiency, though slightly lower than R12 and R22 in some applications, especially in older systems. R1234yf has similar or slightly lower thermodynamic performance compared to R134a. (Don’t tell anybody we mentioned it.)

7. What modifications are needed for automotive ACs to run on R134a?

For R134a, you’re lookin’ at a compressor retro kit, different O-rings and seals, replacing the mineral-based lubricant with the synthetic stuff, a different expansion valve or orifice tube, upgraded high and low-pressure relief valves, and a different receiver/drier or accumulator.

8. What modifications are needed for automotive ACs to run on R1234yf?

R1234yf operates at higher pressures than R134a. So, the compressor might need to be replaced or upgraded. As R1234yf is more flammable, the materials in the refrigerant circuit (e.g., hoses, fittings, seals) need to be upgraded to SAE J2843 standards. Oil requirements are the same as for R134a. However, the level and amount might need adjustment.

R1234yf is more flammable than R134a. To reduce risk, it might be necessary to install additional safety features, such as high-pressure cut-off switches and flame arrestors to reduce the chances of fire in case of leaks.

R1234yf requires special recovery machines and charging stations designed to handle its higher pressure, flammability, and chemical characteristics. Specific leak detectors are necessary. Ventilation requirements are more stringent. And clear labeling and warning stickers are required to indicate its presence.

Piece of cake, no? (See source.)

9. What are brake cleaners and equipment degreasers?

They’re more or less the same. But…

• Brake cleaners are used particularly to remove dirt, grease, oil, and other contaminants from brake components such as pads, rotors, and drums. They’re made from solvents that evaporate quickly and leave no residue behind, ensuring that the cleaned surfaces are free from oil or grease—because a “slippery brake” is a contradiction in terms.
• Equipment degreasers are used for cleaning a wider range of surfaces that have grease, oil, or dirt buildup. Ergo, they can be used for many other parts like engines, machinery, and tools. They’re formulated to break down grease and oil, using a mix of solvents, detergents, and (sometimes) natural ingredients (e.g., citrus extracts). Some equipment degreasers are water-based. Others are solvent-based.

10. Is brake cleaner disposal and/or equipment degreaser disposal an environmental hazard?

Of course.

• Brake cleaners. These contain solvents like chlorinated compounds (e.g., methylene chloride, trichloroethylene) or non-chlorinated solvents (e.g., acetone, toluene), each of which can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Brake cleaners that evaporate quickly release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air, which contribute to air pollution, smog formation, all of which militate against human health.
• Equipment degreasers. Along with petroleum-based ingredients, these can contain chemicals that are even more toxic than those found in brake cleaners (e.g., perchloroethylene or xylene).

Both brake cleaners and equipment degreasers harbor the potential for water contamination. I.e., if brake cleaners or equipment degreasers are improperly disposed of or washed down drains, they can contaminate water supplies, and many of the solvents are toxic to aquatic life.

Given these eco-liabilities, some regions have regulations restricting their use or requiring manufacturers to produce less toxic, more eco-friendly formulas for brake cleaners and equipment degreasers. These are typically labeled as “non-toxic,” “biodegradable,” or “made with safer, eco-friendly ingredients.”

11. What are the legal and regulatory requirements for disposing of brake cleaners and equipment degreasers?

First and foremost, never dispose of brake cleaner or degreasers by pouring them down the drain, into the ground, or into regular trash bins. These substances can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife. Doing so will put you on the wrong side of the law, which is a bad place to be. Instead, do the following:

• Understand local regulations. Different areas have specific laws regarding hazardous waste disposal. Bear in mind that local environmental laws & regulations are typically more stringent than their federal EPA counterparts.
• Segregate hazardous waste. Spent brake cleaners and degreasers are often classified as hazardous waste due to their chemical composition. Set up a designated container or drum to collect these materials separately from general waste.
• Label the waste. Properly label the container with the type of waste and the date it was collected. This is important for safety and regulatory compliance.
• Use a certified waste disposal service. Hire a licensed hazardous waste disposal company to pick up and safely dispose of the materials. These services are equipped to handle chemicals like brake cleaners and degreasers properly.
• Consider automotive chemical recycling. Some companies specialize in recycling or reconditioning used brake cleaners and degreasers. If recycling options are available in your area, consider taking advantage of them to reduce waste.
• Maintain proper documentation. Keep records of hazardous waste disposal, including receipts from the disposal service and any regulatory filings. This documentation may be required during inspections or audits.
• Employee training. Ensure that your employees are trained on the proper handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials to minimize the risk of accidents and spills.

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HWE offers unparalleled experience advising auto shop owners, mechanics, environmental compliance officers, and others who need to manage hazardous wastes secondary to automotive maintenance & repair—safely, legally, and to the highest standards of sustainability.

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