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Join the RAD Program
The RAD Program welcomes U.S. utilities, appliance retailers, local governments, appliance manufacturers, universities, and other interested organizations as Partners.
Please review the Guidance for Existing and Prospective Partners to learn more about RAD Partner obligations and benefits. Partners should be prepared to submit annual reports on available program information, including: the number of appliances collected; the type and quantity of refrigerant reclaimed/destroyed; the type and quantity of foam blowing agent reclaimed/destroyed; the weight of metals, plastics, and glass recycled; and the quantity of hazardous waste products and used oil recovered/destroyed. In addition, Partners that actively encourage the retirement of old, inefficient appliances may also report additional environmental benefits—in the form of reduced energy consumption and greenhouse gases.
The RAD Program also invites States to become RAD Affiliates, to promote the RAD Program to potential partners and increase environmental benefits within their state.
RAD partnerships take effect when a Partnership Agreement or State Affiliate Agreement is signed by the authorized representatives of the Partner or State Affiliate and EPA. Standard Partnership or Affiliate Agreements are available that may be modified to address special legal requirements of Partners or Affiliates in certain cases. These agreements specify the responsibilities of the Partner or Affiliate and EPA, and vary slightly by partner type (e.g., utility vs. local government). The general responsibilities of EPA, Partners and Affiliates are summarized below.
EPA Responsibilities:
- Serve as a technical clearinghouse on responsible appliance disposal program development and implementation.
- Calculate annual and cumulative program benefits in terms of ODS and GHG emission savings and equivalents and, as available, potential cost savings.
- Provide Partner recognition for achievement through press releases, brochures, articles, and awards.
Partner Responsibilities:
- Collect used refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioning units, and dehumidifiers, and implement best practices for the recycling/disposal of these units in compliance with federal, state, and local laws, including: proper recovery and reclamation or destruction of refrigerants; proper recovery and reclamation/destruction of ODS insulating foam; safe disposal of hazardous waste products, including PCBs and mercury; proper recycling or disposal of used oil; and recycling of all recoverable, durable materials, to the extent possible.
- Report available Program information annually including: the number of appliances collected; type and quantity of refrigerants reclaimed/destroyed; type and quantity of foam blowing agent reclaimed/destroyed; weight of metals, plastics, and glass recycled; and quantity of hazardous waste products managed and used oil recovered.
- Exchange information on Program development/implementation and best practices with other Program partners.
- Appointing a representative as Responsible Appliance Disposal Program Coordinator and notify EPA of any change in the designated liaison.
State Affiliate Responsibilities:
- Promote the RAD Program to potential Partners within the State through information dissemination and strategic outreach.
- Serve as a technical clearinghouse/resource on responsible appliance disposal program development and implementation to existing, new, and potential Partners within the State.
- Provide Partner recognition for achievement through press releases, articles, and awards.
- Exchange information on Program development/implementation and best practices with Program Partners.
- Appoint a representative as Responsible Appliance Disposal Program Coordinator and notify EPA of any change in the designated liaison.
For more information about joining the RAD Program and to receive a Standard Partnership Agreement or State Affiliate Agreement, please contact Melissa Fiffer at fiffer.melissa@epa.gov or 202-343-9464.