California Air Resources Board

What is the purpose of the program?

The program reduces air pollution by preventing uncontrolled releases of refrigerant and reduces waste going to landfills. The containers feature a self-sealing valve to capture unused refrigerant. Californians gain these benefits while still being able to charge their own vehicle’s air conditioner

How does this program affect the consumer?

The Regulation was amended and became effective July 1, 2024. Key amendments affecting consumers include the removal of the deposit and return program and the refinement of procedures and parameters for spending unclaimed deposits. These amendments will decrease costs to consumers, achieve greenhouse gas reductions, and incentivize the reclamation of refrigerant.

The removal of the deposit and return program will become effective on January 1, 2025, therefore the following activities related to the deposit and return program will end on January 1, 2025: 

• Consumers must pay a refundable $10 deposit for each container purchased;
• Sales receipts are necessary to redeem deposits;
• Consumers must safeguard the integrity of the container. Damaging, puncturing or breaching the container could lead to a denial of the refund;
• Consumers have 90 days from date of sale to redeem the $10 deposits and these must be accompanied by the sales receipt.

The refined requirements for spending unclaimed deposits will benefit consumers, especially those in disadvantaged communities.  The MVAC incentive program will subsidize consumers in MVAC repairs. Please visit the Cool Air Rebate Program for more information.  

Consumers should thoroughly read the instructions on the container and take advantage of educational programs at retailers and online. Brochures and websites are available and include:

• Instructions to identify and repair system leaks;
• Techniques for properly recharging the air conditioner;
• Information on the environmental hazards associated with the refrigerant and risks of overcharging or undercharging AC systems.

The educational brochures are available through the retailers who sell the product. The websites are listed on the product containers which also feature clear instructions in both English and Spanish.

Automobile refrigerant: a potent greenhouse gas

The refrigerant R-134a is a highly potent greenhouse gas. A single 12-ounce container has the same climate-changing potential as all the emissions from 150 gallons of gasoline. California’s new regulation requires more control over R-134a and its containers to reduce unnecessary releases.

More Information