What is the only source of CFCs after January 1, 1996?

The correct answer highlights that after January 1, 1996, recovery and recycling became the only allowable source of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), as the production and importation of these substances were largely phased out due to their harmful effects on the ozone layer. The Montreal Protocol, an international treaty, aimed to reduce and ultimately eliminate the use of ozone-depleting substances, leading to stringent regulations on both the production and distribution of CFCs.

Recovery and recycling involve capturing CFCs from existing refrigeration and air conditioning systems to be reused, thereby mitigating environmental impact while still managing the CFCs that were already in circulation before the ban. This process is crucial for maintaining equipment and preventing the release of these harmful substances during the decommissioning or servicing of refrigeration systems.

Natural occurrence does not apply here, as CFCs are synthetic compounds and do not occur naturally in the environment. The prohibition on production and importation means that after 1996, there were no legal avenues to obtain new CFCs, reinforcing the importance of recovery and recycling as the only remaining source.