The Bigger Picture
Our role
RRA plays a pivotal role in a broader system that supports responsible Lifecycle Refrigerant Management. Strong legislation, solid licensing frameworks, and a shared commitment from government, industry and community stakeholders underpin this system.
At the heart of this collaboration is a network of organisations and individuals, including the Australian Government, the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC), importers, wholesalers, technicians, and contractors, all working together to meet environmental obligations.
RRA contributes to this collective effort by supporting environmental safety, reducing harmful emissions and promoting stewardship across the industry.
Working together
Select an element of the framework to learn more
United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) – Montreal Protocol
The Montreal Protocol is a global environmental agreement administered by UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) to protect the ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). The universal framework of enforceable actions has led to the global reduction of ODS such as CFCs and HCFCs.
The Kigali Amendment extended the Protocol to include the phase-down of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), potent synthetic greenhouse gases with high global warming potential.
Widely regarded as the most successful environmental treaty in history, the Protocol has achieved near-universal ratification and is on track to restore the ozone layer by 2075 while also delivering substantial climate benefits.
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA)
RRA is currently the only approved product stewardship scheme in Australia.
RRA is responsible for working nationally with industry and government to share the responsibility for recovering, reclaiming, and safely destroying used surplus and unwanted refrigerant.
Our internationally recognised product stewardship program ensures the safe disposal of used and unwanted refrigerants, preventing harmful emissions that damage the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.
Importers
Organisations and businesses that import bulk refrigerants and/or equipment containing refrigerant.
Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act, importers are required to hold an import licence issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)
RRA is currently the only approved scheme in Australia.
Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC)
Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act, importers of scheduled substances, including bulk refrigerants and precharged equipment, are required to hold an import licence issued by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
A condition of the import licence is that importers are required to participate in an approved product stewardship scheme. RRA is the only approved product stewardship scheme under the act.
Wholesalers
Wholesalers provide equipment, tools, parts and refrigerant gas to the HVACR industry.
Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act regulations, wholesalers are required to hold a Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RTA) issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council.
Adhering to the conditions and requirements of the RTA, wholesalers must take back any recovered or surrendered refrigerant presented to them.
Contractors
Companies that employ technicians install and decommission HVACR equipment.
Contractors hold the same obligations as Registered Trading Authorisation (RTA) under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act regulations issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council.
Technicians
Qualified individuals must hold the appropriate Refrigerant Handling Licences (RHL) for their skillset and application.
Any person who carries out work related to refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) equipment or otherwise handles refrigerant must hold a refrigerant handling licence (RHL).
It is a legal requirement for technicians to recover refrigerant during maintenance and decommissioning.
The Government
Department of Climate Change, Energy and Water (DCCEW).
The Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency meets its obligations under the Montreal Protocol by administrating the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act including issuing import licences.
Refrigerant Reclaim Australia (RRA)
RRA ensures the safe and effective disposal of harmful refrigerants using advanced destruction technologies that meet strict EPA and federal regulatory standards. This process plays a critical role in preventing emissions that damage the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. By eliminating surplus and unwanted refrigerants in an environmentally responsible way, RRA supports the long-term sustainability of the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and upholds Australia’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol. This work reflects RRA’s broader mission to lead best practice in refrigerant stewardship and protect the environment for future generations.
Australia’s Refrigerant Management Framework
Australian Framework
We all play a role in Lifecycle Refrigerant Management.
Australia has developed a legislative framework that combines government regulations and industry collaboration to ensure a shared responsibly for responsible management of refrigerants throughout their lifecycle.
Legislation and Regulation
Under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Act, importers of scheduled substances, including bulk refrigerants and precharged equipment are required to hold an import licence issued by the Government (DCCEEW). A condition of the import licence is that importers are required to participate in an approved product stewardship scheme. RRA is the only approved product stewardship scheme under the act.
Industry
Industry plays a critical role through initiatives like Refrigerant Reclaim Australia’s product stewardship program.
End-Use Permit Scheme
The Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC) is the national licensing body for Australia’s refrigeration and air conditioning sector. In partnership with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, ARC administers the ARCtick licensing scheme, which licenses individuals and businesses to handle refrigerant gases regulated under the Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management Regulations 1995.
Recovery and Destruction
Government and industry work together to promote refrigerant recovery during servicing and at the end of life. Destruction facilities use Montreal Protocol-approved processes, ensuring environmental safety.
Compliance and Enforcement
Civil and criminal penalties support compliance alongside monitoring, record-keeping, and reporting requirements.