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Stratospheric Ozone (continued)

Destruction of ozone-depleting substances [A Indicator 2.9]

Recovery of ozone-depleting substances is one of the most effective ozone protection controls. Australia has embarked on a successful program to collect, recycle and/or destroy ozone-depleting substances. Halon chemicals are collected and are either stored, recycled or destroyed by the National Halon Bank, operated by DASCEM Pty Ltd. CFC and HCFC refrigerants are collected and are either stored or recycled by Refrigerant Reclaim (Australia) or destroyed by DASCEM. Companies servicing refrigeration/air-conditioning equipment also recycle CFC and HCFC refrigerants.

Over 10 000 ODP tonnes (actual tonnes multiplied by ODP) of ozone-depleting substances (CFCs, HCFCs and halons) have been collected from 1993 to 1999 (Table 14) with approximately equal quantities recycled, stored and destroyed. Refrigerant Reclaim Australia have collected about 500 t of refrigerant (CFCs and HCFCs) and estimate that a further 2500 t will be collected (RRA 2000).

Table 14: CFCs, HCFCs and halons collected, recycled, stored and destroyed (tonnes and ODP tonnes) in Australia during 1993 to 1999 Recycled CFCs and HCFCs include material returned to manufacturers as CFC/HCFC feedstock and material recycled by companies servicing equipment.

	CFCs	HCFCs	Halons	Total	Total (ODP tonnes)
Collected	1430	580	1660	3670	10 360
Recycled	1200	530	250	1980	3730
Stored	130	40	410	580	3530
Destroyed	100	10	1000	1110	3100

Source: National Halon Bank; Refrigerant Reclaim Australia.

Implications

Since 1993, Australia has collected more than 10 000 ODP tonnes of ozone-depleting substances which have either been recycled, stored or destroyed. Significant amounts of ozone-depleting substances remain to be collected and such activities need to be encouraged if Australia is to continue to show leadership in reducing its contribution to global ozone depletion.

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