How to Recycle a American Standard Multi-split / VRF air conditioning involves several crucial steps due to the refrigerant contained within. This unit cannot be discarded through regular kerbside waste as it violates F-Gas regulations, which mandate that the refrigerant must first be captured by a certified professional before disposal can proceed.
Modern American Standard multi-split / VRF air conditioners (post-2018) typically use R32 (HFC, single-component) with a charge ranging from 3000 to 15000 grams. The global warming potential of R32 is 675, highlighting the importance of proper recycling procedures to prevent environmental damage.
ability) - check your country page for the specific drop-off or collection process available to you
- Retailer take-back: when buying a replacement, ask the retailer about old-for-new collection. UK retailers like Currys, John Lewis, and AO are obliged under WEEE to take an old unit when delivering a new one
- Local-authority bulky-waste collection: most UK councils, US municipalities, and EU local authorities run bulky-waste collection that includes white goods - check whether yours requires a booking and whether there is a fee
What it costs
Typical disposal cost for a American Standard multi-split / vrf air conditioning runs $800-3,500 commercial decommissioning. Variation comes from:
- Whether it is a take-back-with-purchase (often free)
- Whether the local authority charges per collection (£0-£50 in UK, $20-$80 in US)
- Whether the unit needs special handling (very large commercial fridges or units with damaged cabinets cost more)
Material recovery
After refrigerant capture, a American Standard multi-split / vrf air conditioning is broken down into:
- Steel cabinet (60-80% by weight) - melted and reused
- Aluminium evaporator and condenser coils (5-12%)
- Copper tubing (2-5%) - high recovery value at LME spot prices
- ABS / polystyrene insulation foam - typically 5-15%, may contain blowing agents requiring controlled disposal
- Plastic interior parts - mixed-grade recycled where possible
A typical 200L domestic fridge contains roughly 40 kg of recoverable steel, 3 kg of aluminium, and 1.2 kg of copper.
Sources
- American Standard sustainability page:
- EU F-Gas Regulation 517/2014
- UK F-Gas Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/310)
- US AIM Act 2020 (HFC phase-down)
- IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - GWP coefficients
- Annual F-Gas leak inspection mandatory above 5 tonnes CO2-equivalent; certified contractor disposal required
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put a American Standard multi-split / vrf air conditioning in my regular bin?
No. American Standard units contain refrigerant (R32 (HFC, single-component) for modern models, R410A (HFC blend) for older units) which must be captured by an F-Gas certified handler before the cabinet is broken down. Placing the unit in regular waste is a regulatory offence in the EU, UK, and US states with WEEE-equivalent laws.
Does American Standard offer free recycling?
American Standard runs a sustainability and take-back programme - see [https://www.americanstandardair.com/sustainability](https://www.americanstandardair.com/sustainability). The programme details (free drop-off, paid collection, retailer-only) vary by country. When buying a replacement, the simplest route is to ask the retailer about old-for-new collection.
What refrigerant does my American Standard multi-split / vrf air conditioning use?
Most American Standard multi-split / vrf air conditionings manufactured after 2018 use R32 (HFC, single-component) (GWP 675). Older units (pre-2015) use R410A (HFC blend) (GWP 2088). The exact refrigerant type is printed on the data plate on the back of the unit alongside the model number.
How much does it cost to dispose of a American Standard multi-split / vrf air conditioning?
Typical cost is $800-3,500 commercial decommissioning. The cheapest route is take-back with purchase of a replacement, which is often free. Standalone disposal through a council booking ranges from no charge in some jurisdictions to £50 / $80 in others.
