Which refrigerant handling practice helps protect the environment during service?

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Preventing refrigerant release during service protects the environment by stopping the release of ozone-depleting substances and greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The proper approach is to use certified recovery equipment to capture refrigerants before opening any equipment. The captured refrigerant can be recycled, which cleans it for reuse, or reclaimed, which meets purity standards for reuse in other equipment. This avoids venting, which directly releases harmful gases and is illegal in many jurisdictions. Ignoring environmental regulations or releasing refrigerants only after disposal fails to prevent emissions and undermines environmental protections.