Final answer:
The Montreal Protocol was established to phase out CFC production to protect the ozone layer. The protocol has shown signs of success, but challenges remain, such as emissions from large contributors like China and the impact of CFC banks. The treaty does not specify the timeline for delivery of collected CFC refrigerants, so local regulations should be consulted.
Step-by-step explanation:
The regulation of CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) refrigerants is a critical environmental protection measure that stems from the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty adopted in 1987. The treaty was a response to international concern over the depletion of the ozone layer caused by CFCs and other ozone-depleting substances. Although the original question related to the delivery time frame for collected CFC refrigerants after January 1, 2012, was not directly answered here, the student must refer to the specific environmental guidelines or regulations that apply in their country or region as the treaty does not stipulate such specific details. However, it is essential to know that the phase-out of CFC production and the proper handling of existing CFCs are part of global efforts to allow the ozone layer to recover, which has shown signs of improvement but also faces ongoing challenges. Emissions from countries like China and the existence of CFC banks where old equipment can still release CFCs into the atmosphere remain significant concerns for the environment and ozone layer recovery.