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Home » Recycling and recovery of refrigerants: DFFE director delivers keynote speech at SADC RAC Part 7

Recycling and recovery of refrigerants: DFFE director delivers keynote speech at SADC RAC Part 7

By Eamonn Ryan

Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE), delivered a keynote speech at the SADC RAC interactive workshop. This is Part 7 of a seven-part series.

Ms. Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE).
Ms. Margaret Molefe, director for Hazardous Chemicals Management at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE). © Cold Link Africa

…continued from Part 6.

Another important initiative discussed by Molefe is the recycling and recovery of refrigerants. South Africa has established four facilities dedicated to the recovery and recycling of refrigerants, which are crucial for minimising the environmental impact of refrigerant use. These facilities are involved in the reclamation of refrigerants from old systems, which are then purified and reused, reducing the need for new chemicals. These efforts are part of the country’s strategy to support the circular economy in the refrigeration sector.

Molefe also mentioned a company involved in the recycling and repurposing of refrigerant materials, which helps promote economic growth by creating value from waste materials. These facilities showcase the potential for green technologies to support both environmental sustainability and economic development.

 

Disposal of contaminated refrigerants

Regarding the disposal of contaminated refrigerants, Molefe highlighted the existence of a specialised facility called A-Thermal, which is equipped to dispose of harmful refrigerants safely. This facility is capable of handling various waste materials, including pesticides and refrigerants, ensuring that they are destroyed in an environmentally responsible manner. Molefe also mentioned that there is ongoing work to address the issue of disposable cylinders, which are commonly used for refrigerants. A study has been conducted, and while there is support for banning disposable cylinders, it was noted that this could have negative economic implications, particularly for smaller companies in the sector. Therefore, the government is considering alternatives to ensure that any regulatory changes do not lead to significant job losses or market disruptions.

 

Conclusion: certification, awareness and safety

In conclusion, Molefe stressed that training and certification are critical for improving the safety, effectiveness and sustainability of the refrigeration sector. She called for continued awareness-raising efforts to ensure that technicians and the public understand the health and environmental risks associated with improper refrigerant handling. It is essential that technicians not only receive adequate training but that they also adhere to safety standards and best practices to protect both human health and the environment. The continued collaboration between government bodies, industry partners and other stakeholders is key to ensuring the success of these initiatives.

Molefe expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to speak at the meeting and thanked the participants for their engagement, reaffirming that the training, certification, and safe handling of refrigerants are central to the long-term success of South Africa’s climate change and sustainability efforts.