Ozone Management in Brunei Darussalam

 

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Ozone Management in Brunei Darussalam: 

Responsible Use and Disposal of Cooling Appliances

Brunei Darussalam is committed to protecting the ozone layer and supporting the environmentally sound management of refrigerants used in refrigerators, freezers, air-conditioners and other cooling equipment.

Cooling appliances are part of everyday life, but they may contain refrigerants and other components that require proper handling. Some older refrigerants can damage the ozone layer, while some newer refrigerants may contribute to climate change if released into the atmosphere. For this reason, the proper use, servicing and disposal of cooling appliances is an important part of Brunei Darussalam's national efforts under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and the Kigali Amendment.

Members of the public, technicians, retailers, importers, recyclers and other stakeholders all have an important role in supporting safer and more responsible refrigerant management.​

Common refrigerants found in cooling equipment

Members of the public may see different refrigerant names on air-conditioners, refrigerators, freezers and vehicle air-conditioning systems. These names may include R-22, R-134a, R-410A, R-32, R-1234yf, R-290 and R-600a.

R-22 is an HCFC refrigerant. It was commonly used in older air-conditioners. HCFCs are ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and are being phased out under the Montreal Protocol.

R-134a and R-410A are HFC refrigerants. HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer, but some HFCs have high global warming potential. For this reason, HFCs are now also being managed under the Kigali Amendment.

R-32, R-1234yf, R-290 and R-600a are examples of newer or alternative refrigerants that are becoming more common in the market. R-32 is used in newer air-conditioners, R-1234yf is used in newer vehicle air-conditioning systems, while R-290 and R-600a are used in some refrigeration and cooling equipment.

Some of these newer alternatives may be mildly flammable or highly flammable. This does not mean that the equipment is unsafe. It means that the equipment must be properly designed for that refrigerant and must be installed, serviced and maintained according to safety requirements.

Consumers should always check the refrigerant label, buy equipment from reliable suppliers and use trained or competent technicians for installation, servicing and repair. Refrigerants should not be mixed, replaced or refilled without proper technical advice, as each cooling system is designed for a specific refrigerant, pressure, oil compatibility and charge amount.

1. Check the refrigerant used in your air-conditioner

Members of the public are encouraged to check the type of refrigerant used in their air-conditioners. This information can usually be found on the unit nameplate, label, outdoor compressor unit, user manual or service record.

Older air-conditioners may still use HCFC-22, commonly known as R-22.

R-22 is an ODS and is being phased out under the Montreal Protocol until 2030.

If your air-conditioner still uses R-22, you are encouraged to plan for replacement with newer equipment that uses approved and more environmentally acceptable refrigerants available in the market, such as HFCs or other lower-impact alternatives.

However, users are advised not to replace refrigerants by simply mixing or charging a different refrigerant into an existing system. Refrigerants are not interchangeable. Each cooling system is designed for a specific refrigerant type, operating pressure, oil compatibility, refrigerant charge amount and safety requirement.

Any replacement, retrofit, repair or servicing should only be carried out by a trained, competent or certified technician.

2. Choose newer and more efficient cooling equipment

When purchasing a new air-conditioner, refrigerator, freezer or other cooling equipment, consumers are encouraged to choose products that are suitable, efficient and properly supported in Brunei Darussalam.

Consumers are encouraged to choose equipment that:

Does not use R-22;
Uses approved refrigerants available in Brunei Darussalam;
Has good energy efficiency performance
Is suitable for the room size and cooling requirement;
Is installed by trained or competent technicians;
Can be properly serviced and maintained locally; and
Comes from reliable suppliers or retailers.

Choosing newer and more efficient cooling equipment can help reduce electricity consumption, improve cooling performance, reduce refrigerant leakage, and support Brunei Darussalam's gradual transition away from ozone-depleting refrigerants.

3. Understanding alternative refrigerants

As Brunei Darussalam moves away from ozone-depleting refrigerants such as R-22, newer refrigerants and alternative technologies are becoming more common in the market.

Some of these alternatives include:

Some alternative refrigerants are classified as mildly flammable or highly flammable. This does not mean that the equipment is unsafe. It means that the refrigerant must be used only in equipment specifically designed for it and must be installed, serviced and maintained according to proper safety procedures.

Flammable does not mean unsafe, but it does mean it must be handled correctly.

Like other substances used safely in daily life, such as LPG, petrol and batteries, safety depends on proper design, correct use, trained handling and compliance with safety requirements.

Members of the public should not attempt to change, mix, refill or retrofit refrigerants by themselves. The wrong refrigerant, incorrect charging, poor installation or lack of leak checking may lead to poor cooling performance, equipment damage, higher electricity consumption, refrigerant leakage or safety risks.

4. Hire trained or certified technicians

Proper installation and servicing are essential to prevent refrigerant leaks, poor cooling performance, high electricity consumption and early equipment failure.

Members of the public are encouraged to use trained, competent or certified technicians for air-conditioner installation, servicing, repair and maintenance.

These issues may cause refrigerant leakage, water leakage, poor cooling, compressor failure or unnecessary emissions into the atmosphere.

Technicians should follow good servicing practices, including:

1. Proper installation of pipework and fittings;
2. Leak checking before and after servicing;
3. Proper vacuuming and charging;
4. Avoiding intentional venting of refrigerants;
5. Safe handling of flammable or alternative refrigerants;
6. Proper handling of cylinders and refrigerant containers;
7. Following manufacturer instructions and safety labels;
8. Advising customers on correct operation and maintenance; and
9. Supporting proper refrigerant recovery where equipment and facilities are available.
   

5. Training and awareness programmes

Training is important to ensure that technicians understand good servicing practices and the safe handling of refrigerants, including alternative and flammable refrigerants.

Training opportunities in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector are conducted from time to time in Brunei Darussalam by relevant training providers and stakeholders. These may include institutions such as Pusat Pembangunan Belia (PPB), Q-Carrier, Institute of Brunei, Technical Education, and training or awareness activities conducted by the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation through the National Ozone Unit.

Members of the public, technicians, companies, retailers and other interested stakeholders are encouraged to follow official announcements and the Department's social media platforms for updates on future training, awareness programmes and related activities.

Using trained technicians helps protect the environment, improves equipment performance, reduces refrigerant leakage and supports Brunei Darussalam's implementation of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.

6. Responsible disposal of old refrigerators and air-conditioners

Old refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioners should not be stored indefinitely at home, dismantled without proper knowledge, dumped illegally or disposed of together with general waste.

These appliances may contain refrigerants, compressor oil, insulation foam, electrical components, plastics and metals that require proper handling.

Some refrigerants used in older cooling appliances may be ODS, such as chlorofluorocarbons and hydrochlorofluorocarbons. Other refrigerants, including some hydrofluorocarbons, may have high global warming potential.

If released into the atmosphere, these substances may contribute to ozone layer depletion or climate change.

7. Why old cooling appliances require proper handling

Refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioners are different from ordinary household waste. These appliances may contain materials and substances that should be managed carefully before recycling or disposal.

Improper dismantling, open burning, illegal dumping or uncontrolled scrapping may result in the release of refrigerants, oils or other materials into the environment.

8. What members of the public should not do

Members of the public are advised not to:

1. Dismantle old refrigerators, freezers or air-conditioners by themselves;
2. Cut, puncture or remove refrigerant pipes;
3. Remove compressors without proper knowledge or equipment;
4. Burn any part of the appliance;
5. Dump appliances at unauthorised locations;
6. Leave appliances exposed outdoors for long periods;
7. Dispose of cooling appliances together with general household waste; or
8. Hand over old appliances to informal collectors without knowing how the appliance will be handled.

These actions may cause refrigerants, oils or other components to be released into the environment.

9. What members of the public should do

Where possible, old refrigerators, freezers and air-conditioners should be managed through proper e-waste or recycling channels.

Members of the public are encouraged to:

1. Keep the appliance intact before disposal;
2. Avoid cutting or damaging any refrigerant pipe, compressor or cooling component;
3. Use JASTRe collection programmes, e-waste collection points or registered recycling channels where available;
4. Ensure that bulky appliances are transported safely to avoid leakage or damage; and
5. Contact JASTRe for the latest information on available collection programmes and proper disposal practices.

At this stage, the recovery of refrigerants from end-of-life appliances is still an area being strengthened in Brunei Darussalam. Members of the public can support this effort by ensuring that old cooling appliances are not dismantled, dumped or handled in a way that may release refrigerants into the environment.

10. Brunei Darussalam's ongoing efforts

Brunei Darussalam is continuously strengthening its management of ODS and hydrofluorocarbons in line with its obligations under the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment.

Current and ongoing efforts include:

1. Regulating the import and export of controlled substances;
2. Implementing licensing and quota controls for ODS and HFCs;
3. Conducting awareness programmes for importers, technicians, relevant agencies and the public;
4. Building capacity in the refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing sector;
5. Promoting good servicing practices and safe handling of refrigerants;
6. Strengthening cooperation with relevant agencies, including customs and other national stakeholders;
7. Encouraging responsible use, servicing and disposal of cooling appliances; and
8. Studying practical options for the future management of used, unwanted or recovered refrigerants.

Brunei Darussalam is also working towards improving the management of refrigerant banks. This includes looking into possible future arrangements for the collection, storage, recovery, recycling, reclamation or environmentally sound disposal of refrigerants from end-of-life equipment.

The development of a more structured refrigerant recovery and management system requires cooperation between government agencies, importers, retailers, technicians, recyclers and the public.

11. Why this matters

Proper management of refrigerants and cooling appliances helps to:

1. Reduce refrigerant leaks;
2. Improve cooling efficiency;
3. Lower electricity consumption;
4. Extend the lifespan of equipment;
5. Reduce emissions of ODS and high global-warming refrigerants;
6. Prevent illegal dumping and unsafe dismantling;
7. Support e-waste management and recycling;
8. Encourage safer practices among technicians, recyclers and the public;
9. Protect the ozone layer;
10. Reduce climate impact; and
11. Support Brunei Darussalam's national implementation of the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Amendment.

Even though refrigerant recovery and disposal systems are still developing in Brunei Darussalam, public awareness is an important first step. By checking the refrigerant used in their air-conditioners, replacing old R-22 equipment responsibly, using trained technicians and disposing of old cooling appliances through proper channels, members of the public can help support safer and more environmentally responsible cooling practices.

12. For technicians, retailers, recyclers and service providers

Technicians, retailers, recyclers and service providers play an important role in improving the management of refrigerants and end-of-life cooling appliances.

Where applicable, relevant stakeholders are encouraged to:

1. Avoid intentional venting or release of refrigerants;
2. Handle refrigerants safely during installation, servicing, repair and maintenance;
3. Use proper tools and equipment;
4. Conduct leak checks before and after servicing;
5. Follow manufacturer instructions and equipment safety labels;
6. Handle flammable refrigerants with proper care and safety precautions;
7. Keep refrigerant-containing components intact unless handled by trained personnel;
8. Promote proper collection and recycling practices;
9. Maintain records where required;
10. Support awareness among customers on proper disposal; and
11. Cooperate with JASTRe and other relevant agencies in future refrigerant recovery and management initiatives.

Good servicing practices help protect the environment, reduce costs for consumers, improve equipment reliability and support Brunei Darussalam's transition towards safer and more sustainable cooling.