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Persons in the disposal and recycling sectors do need to certify to the US EPA that such person has acquired recovery equipment that meets certain requirements (see prior discussion on Tools / Equipment Needed). California Law Section 25143.2(d)(7), Chapter 6.5, Division 20, Health and Safety Code (HSC), excludes CFC or HCFC compounds removed from heat transfer equipment, fire extinguishing products, or rigid foam products, from being regulated as hazardous wastes, provided the materials are reused or recycled and specified conditions are met. These conditions are set forth in HSC sections 25143.2(e), 25143.2(f), and 25143.9. Additionally, reporting requirements for recyclers operating under an exclusion are set forth in HSC section 25143.10. If CFC or HCFC compounds are managed in ways other than recycling, such as incineration, or if the specified conditions for the exclusion are not met, the CFC or HCFC compounds would be hazardous wastes, and would remain subject to all hazardous waste management requirements. Persons with questions concerning the applicability of a recycling exclusion to a particular case regarding CFC of HCFC compounds may contact the nearest regional DTSC office. See Appendix E for addresses and telephone numbers of regional DTSC offices. 3.0 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) In 1978, the federal government banned the manufacturing, processing, and distribution of PCBs. Prior to this time, PCBs were used in small capacitors and fluorescent light ballasts of some appliances. The identification of those appliances containing PCB capacitors is limited because manufacturers did not keep complete records of where PCBs were used. This lack of information makes it very difficult for recyclers to comply with the industry standard and California law of removing PCB capacitors and ballasts prior to baling or shredding the appliance. 3.1 How to Identify a Capacitor / Ballast A capacitor is a small metal -cased or plastic -cased device used to store electrical charges which assists the motor to run more efficiently in start-up (starting capacitor) or during operation of the appliance (running capacitor). Starting capacitors contain only dry, innocuous substances whereas the running capacitors are filled with an oil that dissipates heat during operation of the motor. A ballast is an electrical capacitor used to supply the high voltage necessary to start a fluorescent lamp4. There is no specific method to determine if an appliance contains a capacitor or not. A capacitor(s) may be found in any appliance which requires a motor to operate4. IM