BPU aims to recycle 20,000 units by paying $30
By SCOTT FALLON
STAFF WRITER
New Jerseyans can get clunker refrigerators or freezers hauled away for free and be paid $30 under a recycling program launched this week by the state Board of Public Utilities.The $3.3 million project is an attempt to recycle 20,000 refrigerators with two environmental goals in mind: the removal of inefficient appliances that use two to four times the electricity of newer models, and the safe disposal of foam insulation and coolant chemicals."The removal of an old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer is an easy way for our residents to save on their electricity bills while helping to protect the environment," Jeanne Fox, president of the BPU, said in a statement.The energy savings from recycling 20,000 refrigerators will equal the amount of power used in approximately 1,400 homes for one year.Replacing an older refrigerator can save $50 a year in electricity costs, according to the federal Environmental Protection Agency.Modern refrigerators consume an average of about 500 kilowatt-hours a year; a unit manufactured 20 years ago uses an average of 1,200 kilowatt-hours a year.The $3.3 million comes from the Societal Benefits Charge - a state fund that ratepayers are required to pay into.The BPU will pay Jaco Environmental, a Washington State-based company, $101 for every refrigerator. The agency is also promoting the program through advertisements and direct-mail campaigns.About 95 percent of a refrigerator or freezer can be recycled.Metal is recycled into rebar. Plastic can be used for computers, MP3 players and a variety of other things. Glass shelves get new life in concrete mixtures.The foam insulation and cooling chemicals are disposed of without releasing their ozonedepleting gases into the atmosphere.
Interested parties should visit http://www.njcleanenergy.com/residential/programs/refrigerator-freezer-recycling-program or call 877-270-3520
Requirements for Program Participation
1. Customer must be a residential electric customer of one of the following NJ utilities: Atlantic City Electric, Jersey Central Power & Light, PSE&G, Rockland Electric Company.
2. Customers of municipal electric utilities do not qualify.
3. Appliance types include refrigerators and freezers.
4. Maximum 2 units per customer per year.
5. Valid for period from July 15, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Unit must be picked up within this time frame.
6. Refrigerator/Freezer size limited to 10 - 30 cu. ft.
7. Refrigerator/Freezer must be operational at time of pick up.
8. Refrigerator/Freezer unit must be owned by customer.
9. No age restriction.
10. Refrigerator/Freezer must have clear access path for removal.
Why participation is important to you
1. Old refrigerators and freezers are not bio-degradable. This is why states like New Jersey, California and Illinois have laws that prohibit dumping these appliances into land fills.
2. Other recycling companies have to charge a fee to pick up and recycle your old appliances, because it is a thorough process. However, when you enroll in this program, we pick up and recycle your old refrigerator or freezer for free. Plus, you will receive a $30 cash incentive for participating.
3. Old refrigerators and freezers typically use two times more electricity than newer models. By everyone doing their part to conserve energy and recycle responsibly, New Jersey residents will reduce energy use and help protect the environment.
A cash incentive of $30 will be paid to you for your effort in recycling responsibly.
If you have any questions about the recycling program, or if you would like to schedule your pickup date by phone; please feel free to contact our customer service center toll free at 877-270-3520.
