Context
The purpose of this pilot project is to assist the Brazilian government with the development of a comprehensive recycling system for old household refrigerators and freezers. The project provides a state-of-the-art refrigerator recycling plant which reliably recovers CFCs, HCFCs and other fluorinated gases from the cooling systems and those contained in the insulation foam. The plant offers recycling capacity for the processing of 350,000 old refrigerators and freezers per year. Additionally, comprehensive training and skills development for the professional operation of the recycling plant is an integral part of the project.
Furthermore, the project supports the Brazilian government in introducing appropriate technical standards and regulations to ensure a high-quality operation of this and future recycling plants for the environmentally sound disposal of old refrigeration appliances. To secure supply of old refrigerators to operate the plant at profitable levels, the project also assists with the development of a take-back system. This is based on the existing energy efficiency refrigerator exchange programmes of the Brazilian government currently implemented benefiting low-income households.
HEAT Services
Key efforts include advising on regulatory frameworks in collaboration with stakeholders, aiding the Ministry of Environment in setting up private sector cooperation for recycling technology, and guiding the private sector in technology implementation. A significant focus is also placed on drafting technical studies on reverse logistics, emphasizing the safe disposal of harmful substances, and transferring technology through the evaluation and setup of recycling facilities. Additionally, the project is instrumental in formulating national technical standards for refrigerator recycling and organizing stakeholder workshops to enhance collaboration and knowledge exchange.
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