A freon recovery system is not required when?

A freon recovery system is not required when recharging a small appliance. This is because regulations typically allow for the direct addition of refrigerant to small appliances, such as window air conditioners or refrigerators, without the need for recovery equipment. The reliance on a recovery system is mainly aimed at preventing the release of refrigerants into the environment during larger operations, such as repairs or disposals, which involve more significant quantities of refrigerants. In essence, the regulations are designed to minimize environmental impact from larger quantities of refrigerants, making the recovery system less critical for smaller appliances where the amounts are manageable and the impact is less significant.