The Climate Alliance and the RAL Quality Assurance Association are warning against the large quantities of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) still found in end-of-life refrigerator and freezer appliances. If not disposed of properly, CFCs will destroy the life-preserving ozone layer in the Earth’s upper atmosphere. As CFCs are no longer being produced, it is easy to forget that huge quantities of these substances are still present in older fridge and freezer appliances, in products used to insulate industrial and private buildings and cold rooms, and in many other product categories.
In accordance with the provisions of the EU Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), local authorities in the European Union have or will have transferred by the end of 2006 responsibility for the treatment of waste refrigeration appliances to the producers. Nevertheless the proper recycling of fridges and freezers and the recovery and ultimate destruction of CFCs from all waste products containing these substances remains the common goal of every town and local community within the Alliance. The Climate Alliance shares the concerns of the RAL Quality Assurance Association, which has been active in the fridge recycling sector since 1997, that there is still much to be done in this field.
The European head office of the Climate Alliance of European Cities and the Indigenous Peoples of the Rainforests and the European headquarters of the RAL Quality Assurance Association for the Demanufacture of Refrigeration Equipment Containing CFCs have therefore decided to work together in the area of CFC disposal and the protection of the ozone layer in order to avert impending further damage to the Earth’s ozone layer. The Climate Alliance is calling upon local authorities to continue to ensure that the disposal of waste fridges and freezers is only carried out by qualified recycling and waste disposal companies. The Alliance is also issuing its appeal to the appliance producers who now have responsibility for the treatment of WEEE.
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The Climate Alliance, founded in 1990, is an association of 1300 European cities and municipalities that have entered into a partnership with indigenous rainforest peoples. This worldwide alliance is united by a common concern for the world’s climate. To promote climate protection, the Alliance builds upon commitment and diversity at the local level. The Alliance views its initiative as part of the efforts towards sustainable development and North-South equity.
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europe@klimabuendnis.org
http://www.klimabuendnis.org
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The RAL Quality Assurance Association for the Demanufacture of Refrigeration Equipment Containing CFCs publishes quality assurance and test specifications for compliance with minimum quality standards in the recycling of waste refrigeration equipment. The quality criteria included in the quality assurance and test specifications were compiled in co-operation with environmentally-aware recycling companies, experts and specialists in the field, representatives from federal ministries and others with an interest in ensuring compliance with environmental standards in the waste recycling sector. The RAL Quality Assurance Association awards its quality mark as proof of continuing compliance with these minimum environmental standards. RAL-G¼tegemeinschaft R¼ckproduktion von FCKW-haltigen K¼hlger¤ten e.V.
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