Recycling Commercial Rooftop Units (RTUs): What Facility Managers Should Expect

Why RTU Recycling Matters

Commercial rooftop units (RTUs) are the backbone of building climate control. They provide heating, ventilation, and air conditioning for offices, retail spaces, and industrial facilities. When RTUs reach the end of their lifespan, proper disposal isn’t just a good practice—it’s critical for compliance, safety, and cost management.

Recycling RTUs ensures:

• Compliance with EPA refrigerant regulations

• Recovery of valuable materials like copper, aluminum, and steel

• Reduced landfill impact

• Improved safety for facility personnel

Common Challenges in RTU Recycling

Facility managers face several hurdles when recycling rooftop units:

1. Weight and Size
   RTUs are heavy and often located on rooftops, requiring specialized lifting equipment and trained crews.

2. Hazardous Materials
   Refrigerants, oils, and other chemicals must be safely reclaimed and disposed of to avoid fines and environmental hazards.

3. Minimizing Operational Disruption
   Units often serve critical areas. Facility managers need to coordinate removal to avoid downtime or tenant discomfort.

4. Documentation for Compliance
   Certified recycling providers provide proof of proper disposal—critical for audits and ESG reporting.

Step-by-Step Process Facility Managers Can Expect

Step 1: Pre-Removal Assessment
A certified recycling provider inspects RTUs to identify:

• Refrigerant type and quantity

• Metal components for recovery

• Accessibility challenges

Step 2: Scheduling and Coordination

• Schedule removals during off-peak hours to minimize disruption

• Coordinate with building occupants if temporary downtime is required

Step 3: Safe Removal

• Certified crews disconnect and remove refrigerants

• Units are dismantled, with metals separated for recycling

• Hazardous materials are safely managed according to EPA standards

Step 4: Recycling and Documentation

• Reclaimed metals and components are sent to recycling facilities

• Facility managers receive certificates of compliance and recycling documentation

Find out more about our commercial RTU recycling services here.

Economic Benefits of RTU Recycling

Recycling rooftop units isn’t just regulatory—it’s financially smart:

• Metal Recovery: Copper, aluminum, and steel are valuable commodities that offset recycling costs.

• Reduced Landfill Fees: Avoid tipping fees for large, heavy units.

• Lower Labor Costs: Certified recycling providers handle the heavy lifting and disassembly efficiently.

Case Example: Large Office Complex RTU Upgrade

A Dallas office complex needed to replace 15 RTUs during a summer cooling upgrade. By working with a certified recycling partner:

• Refrigerants were safely reclaimed and documented

• Over 8,000 pounds of metal were recycled

• Facility operations were uninterrupted, avoiding tenant complaints

• Overall project costs were reduced by approximately 20% compared to traditional disposal

Best Practices for Facility Managers

1. Plan Early
   Schedule RTU replacements and recycling well ahead of peak seasons.

2. Work With Certified Providers
   Ensure the recycling company is EPA-certified and experienced with rooftop units.

3. Communicate Internally
   Notify staff, tenants, or departments about scheduled work to minimize disruptions.

4. Document Everything
   Maintain proof of recycling for compliance and sustainability reporting.

5. Consider Bulk Removal
   For multiple units, bulk recycling services save time, labor, and costs.

The Sustainability Advantage

RTU recycling contributes to broader green building initiatives. By keeping metals out of landfills and reclaiming refrigerants, facility managers reduce environmental impact and enhance ESG reporting—an increasingly important factor for investors and corporate tenants.

Final Thoughts

Recycling commercial rooftop units is a critical step in facility management, combining compliance, cost savings, and sustainability. Facility managers should expect:

• Safe removal of refrigerants and hazardous materials

• Efficient dismantling and metal recovery

• Documentation for compliance

• Minimal operational disruption

Partnering with a certified HVAC recycling provider ensures that RTU upgrades are safe, economical, and environmentally responsible. Ready to get started? Contact us today for more information.