R744 (CO2) Disposal: GWP, Phase-Down, Certified Handler Requirements

Last updated: 30 April 2026

R744 (CO2) disposal: complete guide

Reviewed by the eCycling Central editorial team on April 2026

R744 (CO2) has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 1, ozone depletion potential of none, and is classified as A1 non-flammable. It is typically used in supermarket refrigeration systems, transport refrigeration.

Why R744 (CO2) disposal is regulated

A refrigerant's GWP is the single most important factor in how strictly its disposal is regulated. R744 (CO2) releases the same warming impact per kilogram as 1 kg of CO2 when vented to atmosphere.

The phase-down regulatory status: none.

Where R744 (CO2) is found

R744 (CO2) is the standard refrigerant for supermarket refrigeration systems, transport refrigeration. If you have an appliance manufactured during this period and the data plate shows R744, this guide applies.

How to legally dispose of equipment containing R744 (CO2)

The refrigerant must be recovered (captured into a sealed cylinder) before the equipment is broken down. This requires a person holding an F-Gas Category I certificate (EU, UK), Section 608 certification (US EPA), or country-equivalent.

The route for typical owners:

Do not attempt to remove or vent the refrigerant yourself - this is illegal and dangerous (the A1 non-flammable classification means the gas may be flammable or asphyxiating)
Use one of: manufacturer take-back programme, retailer take-back when buying replacement, local-authority bulky-waste collection, or commercial F-Gas certified disposal contractor
Keep the receipt or recovery certificate if available - useful for end-of-life evidence in commercial contexts

Penalty for venting R744 (CO2)

EU: up to €100,000 per violation under F-Gas Regulation 517/2014, plus member-state criminal penalties
UK: up to £200,000 fine (Environmental Protection Act) plus prosecution by the Environment Agency
US: up to $25,000 per day per violation under EPA Section 608

Sources

IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (AR6) - GWP coefficients
EU F-Gas Regulation 517/2014, Annex I
UK F-Gas Regulations 2015 (SI 2015/310)
US AIM Act 2020 and EPA SNAP database
ASHRAE Refrigerant Designation and Safety Classification (Standard 34)

Frequently Asked Questions

Is R744 (CO2) banned?

none. Service of existing equipment may continue under conditions, but new equipment containing R744 (CO2) faces tightening restrictions in the EU and US.

What is the GWP of R744 (CO2)?

1 (per IPCC AR6). This means 1 kg vented has the same warming effect as 1 kg of CO2 over a 100-year period.

Can I vent a small amount of R744 (CO2) myself?

No. Venting any quantity of R744 (CO2) to atmosphere is a regulatory offence in the EU, UK, US, and most developed-economy jurisdictions. R744 (CO2) must be recovered by a certified handler.