Refrigerant lines in split systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\nThe assessment boundary must always be stated. A ground collector, borehole, heating distribution system or building electrical installation may remain in service after the heat pump itself is replaced. These elements should not be included in a product recyclability percentage unless the methodology clearly includes them.<\/p>\n
Technical recyclability versus practical recyclability<\/h3>\n
Technical recyclability<\/strong> means that a material can be processed by an available recycling technology. Steel, aluminium and copper are common examples.<\/p>\nPractical recyclability<\/strong> means that the material is also collected, identified, safely separated and delivered to a suitable facility. Practical recyclability depends on real infrastructure, logistics, economics, product documentation and treatment quality.<\/p>\nActual recycling<\/strong> means that the material entered and completed a qualifying recycling process. It cannot be demonstrated only by examining the product design.<\/p>\nA credible assessment therefore distinguishes between:<\/p>\n
\n- Theoretical material potential<\/li>\n
- Design-based recyclability<\/li>\n
- Collection and treatment availability<\/li>\n
- Recycling-process yield<\/li>\n
- Final secondary-material quality<\/li>\n
- Verified end-of-life outcome<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
What heat pump recyclability is not<\/h3>\n
Heat pump recyclability does not mean that a heat pump \u201crecycles\u201d outdoor air, ground heat or waste heat. A heat pump transfers thermal energy from a source to a useful heating system. That thermodynamic function is separate from product recycling.<\/p>\n
Recyclability is also not the same as:<\/p>\n