Venting Prohibition
Under Section 608, it is illegal to knowingly vent ANY refrigerant (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs, or substitutes) during installation, maintenance, service, repair, or disposal. This means no refrigerant may be intentionally released to the atmosphere. The only exception is de minimis releases that occur during normal equipment connection and disconnection.
It is illegal to knowingly vent ANY refrigerant. No exceptions based on refrigerant type.
Technician Certification
EPA requires technicians to be certified through EPA-approved programs before they can purchase or handle regulated refrigerants. There are four certification types: Type I (small appliances), Type II (high-pressure equipment), Type III (low-pressure equipment), and Universal (all types). Only Section 608 certified technicians may purchase refrigerants in containers larger than 20 pounds.
Only EPA Section 608 certified technicians may purchase regulated refrigerants in containers larger than 20 lbs.
Penalties & Requirements
Recordkeeping & Leak Repair
Technicians and equipment owners must maintain records of refrigerant recovery for at least 3 years. Equipment with known leaks must be repaired before adding refrigerant. Adding refrigerant to a leaking system without repair is considered venting. All refrigerant must be properly recovered from equipment before disposal, regardless of equipment type or charge size.
Records must be kept for 3 years. Adding refrigerant to a known leaking system without repair counts as venting.
Section 608 Regulations Review
- Knowingly venting ANY refrigerant is illegal; de minimis releases during connections are the only exception.
- Four certification types: Type I, II, III, and Universal. Required to buy refrigerants over 20 lbs.
- Civil penalties up to $59,973/day per violation (2025 amount, adjusted annually); criminal penalties up to 5 years imprisonment.
- Recovery records must be kept for at least 3 years.
- Refrigerant must be recovered from ALL equipment before disposal.