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HVAC&R News ·

Beyond bulky waste: Australia's growing end-of-life appliance challenge

End-of-life household appliances are increasingly straining councils and recovery systems. Refrigerant management and disposal obligations are growing more complex, as discussed at the Waste 2026 Conference.

What are my legal obligations when disposing of end-of-life appliances with refrigerants?

HVAC and refrigeration technicians face tighter obligations around refrigerant recovery and disposal. Non-compliance risks grow as regulations tighten.

Key takeaways

  • End-of-life appliances are putting pressure on councils and waste recovery systems nationwide.
  • Refrigerant management is a growing compliance concern for HVAC and refrigeration tradies.
  • Disposal obligations are becoming more complex as environmental risks increase.
  • Industry discussions at Waste 2026 Conference are shaping future policy direction.
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World Ozone Day: marking a decade of the Kigali amendment

September 16 marks the 10th anniversary of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. The 2026 World Ozone Day theme is 'Global action for a cooler planet', reflecting on a decade of international progress on ozone protection.

Why it matters: HVAC and refrigeration technicians handling refrigerants may see continued regulatory pressure on phasing out high-GWP substances under Kigali commitments.

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HVAC&R News ·

Make you sure have a license to thrive

The Australian Refrigeration Council has reminded permit holders to ensure compliance as Commonwealth Penalty Units have recently increased, raising the cost of non-compliance fines.

Why it matters: Affects refrigeration and HVAC tradespeople holding ARC permits. Higher penalty units mean bigger fines for non-compliance, hitting business finances harder.

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HVAC&R News ·

Solstice Advanced Materials launches R-134a retrofit concept

Solstice Advanced Materials has launched a retrofit solution to convert vehicle air conditioning systems from R-134a refrigerant to R-1234yf. The aftermarket product targets existing vehicle fleets rather than new builds.

Why it matters: HVAC and automotive AC technicians may see demand for R-1234yf retrofit services. Could affect refrigerant sourcing and handling procedures for mobile AC work.

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