Uncertainty clouds disposal of panels containing HCFCs

Confusion surrounds the disposal of insulation panels containing ozone depleting substances (ODS) after demolition work was halted on areas of a former electronics factory in Scotland (CJ 31 October).

Morton Demolition was found to be crushing insulation panels containing hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) - refrigerants harmful to the atmosphere - by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency at the Chunghwa factory in Lanarkshire. The agency is still trying to track down where the material was taken.

Thousands of panels containing HCFCs exist in the UK's building stock, but they are difficult to identify and few facilities are available for their safe disposal.

"This is a problem that's been waiting to surface," said Howard Button, chief executive at the National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC). "Contractors can't leave the panels behind when they're contracted to clean the site, but there aren't the facilities to cope with them."

The cost of disposal is also high. Of the facilities CJ contacted only two were able to deal with them at a cost of around £8 per unit, assuming the panels were delivered cut to 1.8m by 1m sizes.

Defra advises that "where practicable" the panels should be sent for treatment, but does not provide an alternative solution.

An Environment Agency spokesman said the organisation was waiting for an indication as to whether Defra thinks it's always practicable or not. He said: "Strictly speaking, all insulation panels that contain ODS should be treated to remove the ODS. However, the larger panels used inside refrigerated warehouses are more problematic. They will often be left in situ when such a building is demolished and it isn't practical to sort through the rubble."

Nonetheless, one demolition contractor told CJ that the panels can't be left on site and that they are usually scrapped as there is little else that can be done.

Under the CDM regulations the client and project co-ordinator have a duty to advise what materials are present. Button added: "The NFDC is watching with interest as this subject could have a major effect on the demolition industry."