What types of refrigerants are prohibited from being dumped?

The rationale for prohibiting the dumping of any refrigerants containing chlorine or fluorine is based on their environmental impact. Chlorine and fluorine compounds are associated with ozone depletion and can have significant harmful effects on the atmosphere. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and other similar refrigerants release chlorine atoms when they are broken down in the atmosphere, leading to the degradation of the ozone layer, which protects the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation.

Regulations, such as those stemming from the Montreal Protocol, aim to phase out substances that contribute to ozone depletion, thereby making it illegal to dispose of these types of refrigerants improperly. Proper disposal methods require recycling and reclaiming these substances to mitigate their adverse effects on the environment.