R407A disposal and servicing: rules and price
You may still top up R407A, including with virgin gas, because its GWP of 2107 is below the 2500 limit. From 1 January 2032, stationary refrigeration equipment using R407A may only be serviced with reclaimed or recycled gas. Gaia Cooling collects recovered R407A and makes sure it reaches a licensed reclamation plant.
- GWP
- 2107
- Type
- HFC blend
- Destination
- Reuse after reclamation
What applies to R407A
- 2027
The maximum amount of new HFCs allowed on the EU market roughly halves, from 42.9 to 21.7 million tonnes CO₂ equivalent per year. Gas recovered in the EU and then reclaimed or recycled sits outside the quota.
- 2030
New refrigeration equipment (other than chillers) containing F-gases with a GWP of 150 or more may no longer be placed on the market, unless safety requirements at the site make it necessary.
- 2032
Servicing stationary refrigeration equipment with virgin R407A is banned. Reclaimed and recycled R407A remains allowed, with no end date in the Regulation. Chillers, air conditioning and heat pumps are not covered by this ban.
R407A is found in commercial refrigeration for medium and low temperatures, such as supermarkets and cold rooms. It was used as a replacement for R22 and sometimes for R404A.
New systems usually use CO₂ (R744), smaller cabinets propane (R290). Conversions often go to R448A or R449A, which have a lower GWP. These also fall under the 2032 ban on virgin refrigerant with a GWP of 750 or more.
Offering R407A
We collect recovered R407A from installers, wholesalers and equipment owners. Collection goes through a licensed carrier, we handle the paperwork and we look at the price lot by lot. The gas goes to a licensed reclamation plant.
Questions about R407A
Can I still top up R407A?
Yes, including with virgin gas. From 1 January 2032, stationary refrigeration equipment may only be topped up with reclaimed or recycled R407A. The Regulation sets no end date for that gas.
Is R407A covered by the 2025 servicing ban?
No. That ban covers refrigerant with a GWP of 2500 or more, such as R404A and R507A. R407A has a GWP of 2107.
What sets the price for recovered R407A?
That depends on gas type, purity, quantity and location. With a blend like R407A, the composition can shift after a leak. So we look at each lot separately, and you know where you stand upfront.