Before disposing of refrigeration containers, what must be done?

The correct step before disposing of refrigeration containers is that they must be evacuated and punctured. This procedure is crucial to safely manage the hazardous materials typically contained within refrigeration units, such as refrigerants that can be harmful to the environment if released improperly.

By evacuating the containers, you ensure that all refrigerant gases are removed and managed according to environmental regulations. Puncturing the containers after evacuation serves as a method of ensuring that they cannot be reused for storing refrigerants, thus preventing any accidental release of substances that can contribute to ozone depletion or climate change.

Cleaning containers, sending them to recycling facilities, or storing them for future use do not address the critical environmental safety issues associated with the refrigerants. These steps, while potentially useful in other contexts, do not comply with regulations aimed at preventing harm from refrigerant leaks. Thus, proper evacuation and puncturing are essential for safe disposal.