Final answer:
It is important not to mix different refrigerants in the same container during the recovery process. Mixing refrigerants can make reclamation difficult or impossible and lead to violations of EPA regulations.
Step-by-step explanation:
When recovering refrigerant, it is important not to mix different refrigerants in the same container because it can make the reclamation process difficult or impossible. Mixing different refrigerants can lead to the formation of azeotropes, which are blends of two or more refrigerants that behave as a single compound.
These azeotropes have different properties than the individual refrigerants, which makes it challenging to separate and reclaim them. As a result, the mixture may be impossible to reclaim, leading to the wasteful disposal of refrigerants.
Furthermore, mixing refrigerants violates EPA environmental regulations. The EPA requires proper classification, labeling, and handling of refrigerants to prevent environmental harm and ensure safety.