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Rocky Mountain Power Launches Refrigerator Recycling Program Tom Forslund’s fridge is 30 years old, takes up space in his garage and wastes tons of extra energy. Due to its inefficiency, Forslund decided to have Rocky Mountain Power remove the old energy hog at no cost to him. The utility is making it easy for energy customers such as Forslund to recycle their old, secondary refrigerators and freezers. They will not only save on energy costs, but will receive a $30 incentive for participating in the free refrigerator recycling program.For Forslund, the ancient cream-colored Amana had long become more of a relic than a useful member of his household appliance family. It makes strange noises and occasionally sheds pieces of plastic, in addition to padding his electric bill. He’ll be happy to see it go, and Rocky Mountain Power is hoping many more Wyoming residents will join Forslund in saying goodbye to older, energy-wasting secondary refrigerators. “Refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1990 typically use up to three times more electricity than new appliances and can cost a household nearly $150 a year to run,” said David Eskelsen of Rocky Mountain Power. “The removal of an extra, old, inefficient refrigerator or freezer will save money for homeowners by eliminating a major electricity waster.” Since 2001, federal standards require new refrigerators and freezers to consume less energy. Current models use about 450 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, compared to older units that burn through, on average, 1,500 kWh per year. “This refrigerator recycling program is a fantastic way for our customers to save on their electricity bills while doing something good for the environment,” said Eskelsen. “Participating is really easy and rewarding.” The Rocky Mountain Power program not only achieves energy and cost-saving benefits, it also encourages proper disposal of old refrigerators or freezers. The utilities, through JACO Environmental, will recycle approximately 95 percent of each unit. JACO will haul the refrigerators to its plant in Salt Lake City, Utah, where toxins will be safely extracted and rendered harmless. The company will separate metal, plastic, glass and other materials and return them to the recycling stream. “There are hundreds of ways for people to reduce their impact on the environment. Recycling refrigerators ranks near the top in terms of individual potential to make a lasting, positive difference. It works for the planet, it works for your wallet and it works for conserving our precious resources,” said Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for JACO. Both refrigerators and freezers are eligible for the recycling program, with a limit of two units per household. The appliances must be in working order with an inside measurement of 10 cubic feet or more. Rocky Mountain Power estimates that 6,000 secondary refrigerators could be recycled in Wyoming by the end of 2010. |
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