What must technicians do before disposing of a refrigeration unit?

Technicians must recover all refrigerant from the system before disposing of a refrigeration unit to comply with environmental regulations and prevent harmful substances from being released into the atmosphere. Refrigerants can have significant negative impacts on the environment, particularly in relation to ozone depletion and global warming potential. By recovering the refrigerant, technicians ensure that it is safely managed and either recycled or destroyed in accordance with the guidelines set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This step is crucial not only for legal compliance but also for the protection of the environment and public health.

The other options, while they may be important in the overall servicing of a unit or for recycling purposes, do not address the primary regulatory requirement for disposing of refrigeration equipment.