That old freezer or fridge in the basement is definitely an energy-guzzler. But what to do with the big, cold, heavy box when it’s time to move on?
The region’s first appliance recycling center opened last week in Hatfield, Montgomery County as part of a joint effort from PECO, PPL Electric Utilities and FirstEnergy. JACO Envrionmental will operate the facility, which will eventually serve 80 percent of the state’s electric utility customers and will create about 40 new, green jobs.
Refrigerators and freezers made prior to 1990 use three times more electricity than newer appliances. Aoubt 95 percent of each unit will be environmentally recycled by JACO, including metals, plastics, oils and foam insulation.
“Old refrigerators contain substances such as mercury, oil and ozone-eating CFCs,” says Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for JACO, a Washington state-based company focused on reponsible appliance recycling. “As a result, they pose a significant threat to the environment when improperly discarded. This new program helps save energy and the planet.”
Through its Smart Appliance Recycling, PECO will pick up and recycle older, working refrigerators and freezers for free and pay customers $35. Also, PECO will pick up older, working window air conditioners and pay customers $25. PECO estimates customers will save about $150 annually on energy bills by recycling their outdated, underperforming appliances.
The program is in response to PA’s Act 129, the 2008 mandate that requires state electric utilities to help customers reduce energy use by 1 percent by May, 2011 and by 3 percent by May, 2013.
Source: Michael Dunham, JACO Environmental
Writer: Joe Petrucci