Business Policies and Procedures Manual
Chapter 20: Property

BPPM 20.77

For more information contact:
   Surplus Stores
   509-335-4630

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Form:  Item Evaluation

Compressed Gases Including Refrigerants)

Compressed gases in nonfunctional equipment, e.g., refrigerants, must be handled as hazardous chemical waste, unless the gas is recycled through a vendor approved by Environmental Health and Safety (EH&S). See SPPM 5.66.

For chemical waste management assistance see EH&S Environmental Services Chemical Waste Information, or contact EH&S for guidance; telephone 509-335-3041.

Types of Equipment Containing Refrigerants

Items which may contain refrigerant gases include air conditioners, chilled centrifuges, chillers, freezers, halon fire suppression systems, incubators, refrigerators, tank chillers, and other lab apparatus.

Gas Release Emergency

When a gas container is leaking or ruptured and is releasing a gas that is hazardous to human health or the environment, leave the area immediately. Telephone 911 or the local area emergency response number to report the release.

Important! Departments and individuals are prohibited from intentionally releasing or venting any quantity of refrigerant or halon to the atmosphere.

Contact EH&S for further information regarding the University’s Department of Ecology Air Operating Permit; telephone 509-335-3041.

Item Evaluation

Prior to surplusing, the department must attach a completed Item Evaluation form listing the presence and location of any hazardous gas container within an item.

Surplus Stores must notify prospective buyers of any hazardous gas containers contained in items prior to sale.

Compressed Gases and Refrigerants

Compressed and refrigerant gases include:

• Ammonia
• Carbon tetrachloride
• Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC)
• Halon
• Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC)
• Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC)
• Methyl chloroform
• Sulfur dioxide

Refrigerant Management

Equipment containing refrigerants or halon must be managed to prevent the prohibited intentional release or venting of any quantity of refrigerant to the atmosphere.

WSU-Owned Equipment

University-owned equipment containing refrigerant gas is to be properly functioning when offered to Surplus Stores. When unsure of proper function, the department offering the equipment submits a work order to the service unit (i.e., Facilities Services, Operations, Housing, or Utilities) responsible for maintaining the equipment.

To determine the service unit responsible for equipment maintenance, contact Facilities Services, Operations; telephone 509-335-9000.

Functional Equipment

Surplus Stores accepts functional equipment and sells the equipment as surplus property.

Nonfunctional Equipment

The department must attach an IRI for $30.00 to each nonfunctional equipment item to pay for refrigerant gas management. Surplus Stores picks up the item and stores it at the Surplus Stores facility. Surplus Stores pays a vendor approved by EH&S to capture the refrigerant gas, remove the compressor, and drain the oil from the compressor.

After the refrigerant is removed and the compressor is drained, Surplus Stores manages the nonfunctional equipment as scrap metal.

Non-University-Owned Equipment (WSU Pullman)

Departments may dispose of non-University-owned equipment containing refrigerant gases and/or non-University-owned appliances (e.g., personal refrigerators, microwaves) at the Whitman County Landfill Transfer Station. There is no charge for this service.

Landfill transfer station business hours are Monday-Saturday from 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. For more information, contact the Whitman County Landfill; telephone 509-334-2400.

Note: Departments are prohibited from disposing of University-owned equipment at the Whitman County Landfill Transfer Station.

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Revisions:  See BPPM 20.77 revision history.