Sell Your Refrigerant — Get Paid in 24–48 Hours
EPA-Certified Buyback for Contractors, Facility Managers, and Distributors Nationwide
One of 50 EPA-Certified Reclaimers in the U.S.
AHRI 700 Certified Laboratory
HFC Allowance Holder
300+ Contractors Served Nationwide
Most Payments in 24–48 Hours
Sitting on Recovered Cylinders You Can’t Use? You’re Not Alone.
The Hidden Cost of Refrigerant Sitting in Your Shop
If you’re an HVAC contractor, facility manager, or refrigeration technician, chances are you have a few recovered refrigerant cylinders collecting dust somewhere in your shop, your warehouse, or the back of your service truck. Maybe it’s R-22 pulled during a system replacement. Maybe it’s a mixed batch from a contaminated recovery. Maybe you honestly don’t even know what’s in those cylinders anymore — and nobody’s made it easy to find out.
That refrigerant has real value. R-22 is no longer manufactured — production was banned under the EPA’s Clean Air Act phase-out, and the only supply left comes from recovered and reclaimed stock. The same is true for R-11, R-12, and other legacy gases. Even newer refrigerants like R-410A and R-404A hold meaningful value as the industry transitions to lower-GWP alternatives. But turning those cylinders into cash has traditionally been slow, confusing, and frustrating — especially when you’re already busy running a business.
Why Selling Refrigerant Feels Harder Than It Should
Most buyback programs weren’t built with the working contractor in mind. You call, leave a message, and maybe hear back in a week. The company asks you to ship on your own dime. They test your gas and hit you with deductions you didn’t expect. Payment takes 30 days, 60 days — some programs operate on 90-day cycles. And if your refrigerant is contaminated or cross-contaminated? Most reclaimers reject the cylinder entirely and leave you to figure out disposal on your own. Meanwhile, the consolidation happening in this industry — competitors being bought out by private equity firms, local operations being shut down — is only making the problem worse for everyday contractors looking for a reliable buyback partner.
The Real Pain Points Contractors Face
- Payment cycles of 30, 60, or even 90 days — while you wait, your cash flow suffers
- No transparency on how your gas is valued — you ship first and find out what it’s worth later
- Shipping logistics fall entirely on you — who provides cylinders? Who pays freight?
- Mixed or cross-contaminated cylinders get rejected outright by most reclaimers
- Small quantities get ignored — companies only want to deal with large commercial accounts
- Consolidation in the industry means fewer options and less personalized service
We Buy Your Recovered Refrigerant — Even Mixed and Contaminated Gas
American Refrigerants is a nationally operating, EPA-certified reclamation facility headquartered in Bradenton, Florida. We’re one of only 50 EPA-certified refrigerant reclaimers in the entire country — and one of even fewer that also holds HFC Allowance status, meaning the federal government has authorized us to import HFCs that otherwise cannot be brought into the United States. We purchase recovered, virgin, and contaminated refrigerants from HVAC contractors, building facility managers, refrigeration technicians, and distributors across all 50 states.
Built for the Working Contractor
Our buyback process was designed around the people who actually recover refrigerant in the field — not around corporate procurement departments. We know you don’t have time to navigate red tape, chase down payments, or spend hours on hold with a call center. That’s why we quote fast, ship you cylinders at no cost when you qualify, test every batch at our own AHRI 700 lab, and pay most sellers within 24 to 48 hours — not months. We’ve handled large-scale operations like recovering over 6,000 pounds of R-22 from a chiller conversion at the former Sweetwater distribution center, and we’ve worked with regional food distribution leaders like Detwiler’s, supplying refrigerants for their new distribution center. Whether it’s a massive commercial recovery or a few cylinders from your shop, we treat every transaction with the same level of professionalism.
What Actually Makes Our Buyback Program Different
The short answer: speed, honesty, and capabilities that no other buyback program matches. The long answer is that we’ve intentionally eliminated every friction point that makes other programs frustrating. We quote based on your specific situation. We ship you cylinders at no cost when you qualify. We test every batch transparently. And we pay fast. Beyond that, we offer things the rest of the industry has stopped doing — or never did in the first place.
We Accept R-22 at Just 70% Purity
Most reclaimers require 99% or higher purity to even consider buying your R-22. We buy R-22 at over 70% purity. That means cylinders that other companies reject or heavily penalize still have strong value when you sell them to American Refrigerants. Given that R-22 is the highest-demand legacy refrigerant on the market and can no longer be manufactured, this policy alone puts money in your pocket that you’d otherwise leave on the table.
We Buy Mixed and Contaminated Gas Others Reject
Got a cross-contaminated cylinder that every other reclaimer turns away? We don’t. Our facility operates proprietary mixed gas separation technology that recovers usable refrigerant from contaminated containers. R-22 mixed with other gases is the most common scenario, and it’s one we handle routinely. There are very few facilities in the country with this capability, and it means cylinders other companies call worthless still have real, tangible value here.
Clean-and-Return Service
Need your own cylinders reclaimed and returned to you rather than sold? We still offer clean-and-return services — something major competitors like A-Gas and Hudson Technologies have stopped doing. Send us your recovered gas, we reclaim it to AHRI 700 purity standards at our certified lab, and ship it back. It’s a service that’s becoming harder to find in this industry, and we’re committed to keeping it available.
Refrigerants We Buy: Types, Minimums, and Priority Levels
We purchase virtually every common refrigerant type used in residential, commercial, and industrial HVAC and refrigeration systems. The table below outlines the gases we’re actively buying, minimum quantity requirements, and current demand levels. Every quote is custom — your rate depends on your specific refrigerant type, volume, condition, and logistics, so fill out the form below for a personalized buyback quote.
Our Buyback Priorities: What We Want Most
| Refrigerant | Min. Quantity | Condition Accepted | Purity Req. | Buyback Priority |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-22 (Freon) | Contact us | Virgin, Recovered, or Mixed | >70% purity | HIGHEST PRIORITY |
| R-123 | Min. 100 lbs | Virgin or Recovered | Contact us | HIGH PRIORITY |
| R-11 | Min. 100 lbs | Virgin or Recovered | Contact us | HIGH PRIORITY |
| R-134a | Volume required | Virgin or Recovered | Contact us | PREFERRED |
| R-410A | Volume required | Virgin or Recovered | Contact us | PREFERRED |
| R-404A | Volume required | Virgin or Recovered | Contact us | PREFERRED |
| R-12 | Min. 50 lbs | Virgin or Recovered | Contact us | PREFERRED (volume) |
| Mixed / Contaminated Gas | Any quantity | Any condition | We test & separate | WE BUY IT |
| Other Refrigerants | Contact us | Varies | Contact us | Case-by-case |
R-22 is our number one buyback priority. It’s the most in-demand legacy refrigerant on the market because it can no longer be manufactured, and a huge installed base of residential and commercial systems still depends on it. We’re one of very few reclaimers that accept R-22 at purity levels as low as 70% — most competitors won’t touch it below 99%. After R-22, we actively seek R-123, R-11, R-134a, R-410A, R-404A, and R-12 in volume. If you have a refrigerant not listed in the table, reach out anyway — we evaluate buyback opportunities on a case-by-case basis and can often make an offer.
Why We Don’t Post Prices Online
You might notice that we don’t publish buyback rates on our website, and that’s intentional. Refrigerant pricing is dynamic and influenced by multiple factors beyond just the gas type — including the volume you’re selling, your location, the current market conditions, and the specific condition of your cylinders. A flat rate posted online wouldn’t accurately reflect the true value of your refrigerant, and we’d rather give you an honest, customized quote than a misleading number. Fill out the form below and we’ll have a quote back to you within one business day.
How Our Refrigerant Buyback Process Works
We designed this process to be as straightforward as possible for working HVAC professionals. Four steps, no red tape, and most transactions are completed within a week from first contact to money in your account.
Step 1
Tell Us What You Have
Fill out our quick online form or give us a call at (941) 371-0300. Let us know the refrigerant type (or your best guess), the estimated quantity in pounds, and the condition — whether it’s virgin, recovered, or potentially contaminated. Don’t worry if you’re not sure about the exact composition or purity. That’s what our lab is for. We’ll get back to you within one business day with a personalized buyback quote tailored to your specific situation.
Step 2
We Handle Shipping
For qualifying volumes, we ship EPA-compliant recovery cylinders directly to your door at no cost. We also include pre-paid return shipping labels so you don’t have to think about freight logistics. Already have your own DOT-approved cylinders? That works too — we’ll provide the labels and you send them our way. If you’re in Southwest Florida, you can skip shipping entirely and drop off at our Bradenton facility or schedule a pickup on one of our weekly delivery routes.
Step 3
Lab Testing and Verification
When your cylinders arrive at our EPA-certified facility, our AHRI 700-certified laboratory tests every single batch for purity, composition, and contamination levels. No guesswork involved. You get a transparent handling sheet showing exactly what you sent us, and we base your final payment on the actual lab results. If the gas comes back below standard purity thresholds, we don’t reject it — we work with you on an adjusted rate based on what’s recoverable. Every cylinder has value here.
Step 4
Get Paid Fast
This is where we really stand apart. While industry-standard payment terms run 30, 60, or even 90 days, American Refrigerants processes most payments within 24 to 48 hours of receiving and verifying your cylinders. We offer direct deposit or check — your choice. No net-30 terms, no invoicing delays, no chasing down accounts payable. You send us gas, we send you money. That’s the deal.
Why Contractors and Facility Managers Choose American Refrigerants
There are a handful of companies in the United States that buy refrigerant. What separates us from the rest comes down to our speed, our capabilities, and the way we treat the people we work with. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
24–48 Hour Payments, Not 90-Day Cycles
The industry standard for refrigerant buyback payments is 90 days. Some programs take even longer. We process most payments within 24 to 48 hours of receiving and testing your cylinders because we understand that cash flow matters — especially for independent contractors and small businesses. You did the work to recover that refrigerant. You shouldn’t have to wait three months to see a return on it.
Separation Technology Nobody Else Offers
Our proprietary mixed gas separation technology is the single biggest differentiator between American Refrigerants and every other buyback program in the country. When you have a cylinder of cross-contaminated refrigerant — the kind that every other reclaimer flat-out rejects — we can process it, separate the component gases, reclaim them to AHRI 700 standards, and pay you for the recoverable portion. R-22 mixed with other gases is the most popular application, and it’s one we handle routinely. This capability alone saves contractors thousands of dollars a year in disposal costs.
One of Only 50 EPA-Certified Reclaimers Nationwide
American Refrigerants holds EPA registration as a certified refrigerant reclaimer and operates under AHRI Standard 700 laboratory protocols. There are only about 50 companies in the entire country that hold this certification. That means your refrigerant is being handled, tested, and reclaimed by licensed professionals using the same quality standards the entire industry depends on. When we issue a handling sheet, it carries real weight.
HFC Allowance Holder
The federal government grants HFC allowances to a select number of companies, authorizing them to import HFC refrigerants that otherwise cannot be brought into the United States. American Refrigerants holds this allowance. It’s a distinction that reflects our standing in the industry and our compliance with the strictest federal environmental regulations.
Clean-and-Return Services Still Available
Need your refrigerant reclaimed and shipped back to you rather than sold? We still offer clean-and-return services. You send us your recovered gas, our AHRI 700 lab reclaims it to certified purity levels, and we ship it back ready to use. Major competitors like A-Gas and Hudson Technologies have discontinued this offering. We haven’t, and we don’t plan to.
R-22 Accepted at 70%+ Purity
Most buyback programs require R-22 to test at 99% purity or higher before they’ll accept it. We accept R-22 at over 70% purity. This is a significant distinction for contractors who regularly recover legacy refrigerant from older systems where cross-contamination is common. Instead of paying to dispose of those cylinders, you sell them to us.
Free Shipping and Transparent Handling
Qualifying volumes receive pre-paid shipping labels and complimentary recovery cylinders at no cost. We don’t hit you with hidden handling fees, testing surcharges, or surprise freight charges after the fact. Every transaction comes with a transparent handling sheet documenting purity levels and composition. What you see is what you get.
Local Pickup for Southwest Florida
Based in Bradenton? Skip the shipping entirely. You’re welcome to drop off cylinders directly at our facility at 2053 58th Ave Cir E, Bradenton, FL 34203. We also operate weekly delivery and pickup routes covering Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Charlotte, and Lee counties — so if you’re in the Southwest Florida region, we can come to you on our next route at no extra charge.
What Contractors Are Saying About Working With Us
Real Reviews From Real Customers
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what HVAC professionals and facility managers across the country are saying about their experience selling refrigerant to American Refrigerants. These are pulled directly from our Google Reviews profile.
Best price for refrigerant in town. Great service as well.
Casey Rachide
These folks at American Refrigerants have been great to work with over the years. They have the best prices and a good stock of inventory. We highly recommend.
Dennis Cadle
Good selection. Helpful csr’s.
Ken Keesee
Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerant Buyback
We get these questions daily from HVAC contractors, facility managers, and distributors. If your question isn’t answered here, call us at (941) 371-0300 or fill out the form below — we respond within one business day.
How do I sell my recovered refrigerant?
Start by filling out our online quote form or calling us at (941) 371-0300. Provide the refrigerant type (or your best estimate), the approximate quantity in pounds, and the condition — virgin, recovered, or potentially contaminated. We’ll review the details and send you a personalized buyback quote within one business day. If you accept, we handle the logistics from there — shipping cylinders, pre-paid labels, lab testing, and fast payment.
What types of refrigerant do you buy?
Our top priority is R-22, which we accept at purity levels as low as 70%. We also actively purchase R-123, R-11, R-134a, R-410A, R-404A, and R-12 in volume. Beyond those, we evaluate buyback opportunities for most other common refrigerants on a case-by-case basis. We also buy mixed and cross-contaminated gases — our proprietary separation technology can recover usable refrigerant from contaminated cylinders that other reclaimers reject.
What are the minimum quantities for buyback?
Minimum quantities vary by refrigerant type. For R-11 and R-123, the minimum is 100 pounds. For R-12, the minimum is 50 pounds. For R-22, R-134a, R-410A, and R-404A, minimums depend on the specific details of your transaction — contact us to discuss your situation. For mixed or contaminated gas, there is no strict minimum. We evaluate every inquiry individually because we know that one-size-fits-all policies don’t serve working contractors well.
How fast will I get paid for my refrigerant?
Most payments are processed within 24 to 48 hours of receiving and testing your cylinders at our Bradenton, Florida facility. We offer payment via direct deposit or physical check, your preference. This is dramatically faster than the 30-day, 60-day, or even 90-day payment cycles that most buyback programs in this industry operate on.
Do you accept contaminated or mixed refrigerant?
Yes. This is one of our biggest differentiators. While most buyback programs and reclaimers reject cross-contaminated or mixed-gas cylinders, we operate proprietary separation technology that recovers usable refrigerant from contaminated containers. R-22 mixed with other gases is the most common scenario, and it’s one we handle routinely. We pay you for the recoverable portion based on our lab analysis.
Who pays for shipping when selling refrigerant?
For qualifying volumes, we cover all shipping costs. We provide pre-paid return shipping labels and EPA-compliant recovery cylinders at no charge. You don’t pay for freight, handling, or cylinder rental. For smaller quantities that don’t meet the free shipping threshold, we can arrange discounted shipping options or local pickup if you’re in the Southwest Florida area.
Is American Refrigerants EPA certified?
Yes. American Refrigerants is one of only approximately 50 EPA-registered refrigerant reclaimers in the United States. We operate an AHRI 700-certified laboratory and handle all refrigerant in full compliance with EPA Section 608 regulations. We also hold HFC Allowance status, which authorizes us to import HFC refrigerants under federal environmental regulations.
Can I drop off refrigerant in person instead of shipping?
Absolutely. Our facility is located at 2053 58th Ave Cir E, Bradenton, FL 34203, and we welcome walk-in drop-offs during business hours. We also operate weekly delivery and pickup routes covering Manatee, Sarasota, Hillsborough, Pinellas, Charlotte, and Lee counties. We can schedule a pickup on our next route at no additional charge.
What happens if my refrigerant fails the purity test?
We don’t reject cylinders that fall below standard purity thresholds. Our lab evaluates the gas and we offer an adjusted rate reflecting the actual recoverable content. If the refrigerant is severely contaminated or mixed, our separation technology can still extract usable components. We always provide a transparent handling sheet and contact you before finalizing the transaction if the lab results differ materially from the original quote.
What happens if my refrigerant fails the purity test?
We don’t reject cylinders that fall below standard purity thresholds. Our lab evaluates the gas and we offer an adjusted rate reflecting the actual recoverable content. If the refrigerant is severely contaminated or mixed, our separation technology can still extract usable components. We always provide a transparent handling sheet and contact you before finalizing the transaction if the lab results differ materially from the original quote.
How is refrigerant buyback pricing determined?
Every buyback quote is customized based on multiple factors: the specific refrigerant type, the volume being sold, the purity and condition of the gas, your location and shipping logistics, and current market conditions. Because these variables change from transaction to transaction, we don’t publish flat rates. Instead, we provide honest, tailored quotes that accurately reflect the value of your specific refrigerant. Fill out the form or call us for a quote — we respond within one business day.
Ready to Turn Your Refrigerant Into Cash?
Get a No-Obligation Buyback Quote
Fill out the form and our team will get back to you within one business day with a personalized buyback quote. No pressure, no obligation, no published rates that don’t apply to your situation. We’ll evaluate your specific refrigerant, volume, and logistics and give you a real number you can count on.
- Custom quote within 1 business day
- Most payments in 24–48 hours — not 90-day cycles
- Free shipping on qualifying volumes
- We buy mixed and contaminated gas — nobody else does
- R-22 accepted at 70%+ purity
- One of 50 EPA-certified reclaimers in the U.S.