The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) published updates to Guideline Q, Content Recovery and Proper Recycling of Refrigerant Cylinders. The guideline now includes best practices for end-of-life recycling of flammable refrigerant containers.

"This guideline and the new additions are a critical part of the industry's plan for the future of refrigerants," said AHRI President and CEO Stephen Yurek. "As flammable refrigerants are being introduced as low-global warming potential alternatives to refrigerants currently in use, it is critical that industry not only handle these refrigerants safely, but also recycle the containers properly."

According to AHRI, recommended practices for recycling containers for flammable refrigerants are different from those for non-flammable refrigerants in that it involves using a non-sparking pick to prepare the container for recycling. As with all AHRI standards and guidelines, Guideline Q is free to download from AHRI's website.