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OMB Control No: 2060-0703	ICR Reference No: 202212-2060-023
Status: Historical Inactive	Previous ICR Reference No: 201908-2060-010
Agency/Subagency: EPA/OAR	Agency Tracking No: 2254.04
Title: Responsible Appliance Disposal Program
Type of Information Collection: Extension without change of a currently approved collection	Common Form ICR: No
Type of Review Request: Regular
OIRA Conclusion Action: Improperly submitted and continue	Conclusion Date: 07/14/2026
	Date Received in OIRA: 01/30/2024
Terms of Clearance: OMB notes that EPA did not adhere to the previous terms of clearance on this package and returns to the agency as improperly submitted. Upon resubmission of this renewal, the agency must refer to the prior terms of clearance and complete the following: 1) upgrade the supporting statement to align with the general 18 question supporting statement template that the federal government uses for supporting documentation for OMB reviews; and 2) provide screen shots of the electronic portal where the reporting requirements are submitted to EPA (with the control number and burden statement). The prior terms of clearance are as follows: OMB noted that EPA should be careful to not characterize data reported by Partner companies as an aggregate summary of emissions reductions resulting from the Program. EPA recognizes that some of the activities and emissions reductions reported by Partners may have been achieved in the absence of the Program. EPA also recognizes that there are emissions reductions occurring in the industry that have been a direct or indirect result of the influence of the Program, but are not being reported to EPA. As a result, EPA has been and will continue to be clear in any Program related communication that when providing a summary or an aggregation of emission reductions it is appropriately characterized as resulting from Partners’ reported activities. OMB understands that EPA is committed to improving its ability to meaningfully evaluate the contributions of voluntary programs characterized by the absence of readily available, high quality, or detailed data, particularly on non-participants. OMB will expect a progress report on these efforts when the next renewal for this ICR is submitted.

	Inventory as of this Action	Requested	Previously Approved
Expiration Date	01/31/2024	36 Months From Approved	09/30/2026
Responses	48	0	48
Time Burden (Hours)	292	0	292
Cost Burden (Dollars)	0	0	0

Abstract: The Responsible Appliance Disposal program (RAD) is a voluntary partnership program sponsored by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that encourages Partners to reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and their alternatives (e.g., hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs)) that can be attributed to improper disposal of appliances. Appliances may contain ODS or HFC refrigerants and foams as well as universal wastes such as mercury, used oil, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Federal law requires refrigerant recovery and proper management of universal waste but does not require the recovery of appliance foam. The RAD Program works with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, federal agencies/states/municipalities, waste removal service providers, affiliates, and others to dispose of appliances using best environmental practices. To encourage reductions in emissions associated with appliance disposal in the United States, EPA launched the RAD Program. The RAD Program supports Section 608 of the Clean Air Act (CAA) and is an important component of EPA’s mission to protect the ozone layer by reducing emissions of ODS. These efforts also support the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. RAD Program Partners reduce emissions of ODS and HFCs and realize other benefits through recovery and destruction/reclamation of refrigerants and foam blowing agents–the latter of which is not covered under existing Federal regulations–and by ensuring that all other hazardous and recyclable materials are handled using best environmental practices. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are avoided through recovery of both ODS, HFCs, and other foam blowing agents. Additionally, through the RAD Program, EPA is partnering with utilities, retailers, manufacturers, federal agencies/state/municipalities, waste removal service providers, and others to promote the retirement of old appliances and permanently remove energy inefficient units from the electricity grid, providing energy savings to consumers. Participation in the Program begins with completion of a mutually agreed upon Partnership Agreement that outlines mutual responsibilities for participation in the RAD Program. By voluntarily joining the Program, a Partner agrees to complete an annual reporting form identifying the number and types of appliances handled and the fates of their individual components. The electronic reporting form automatically generates feedback for the user on the results of their participation in terms of emissions avoided, quantity of used oil/PCBs/mercury destroyed or recycled, energy savings achieved, and consumer savings realized. An annual report provides Partners with information on their progress towards achieving emissions reductions and information about developments in the latest recycling technologies and practices. Through recognition of Partner efforts, and the Program’s promotion of recycling best practices through webinars, web updates, fact sheets, and presentations, non-Partners become aware of recycling best practices and can evaluate what best practices could work for them. The RAD Program largely serves to disseminate information on recycling best practices and creates a platform for information sharing on recycling and waste management practices. The data collected are used as an indicator of whether industry is reducing emissions from end-of-life appliances.

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