New Jersey’s Clean Energy Program (NJCEP) today launched the Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program at an event that showcased the first refrigerator rolling down the conveyer belt at a new de-manufacturing facility in East Brunswick. Under the new recycling program, New Jersey residents can turn in old, working refrigerators and freezers and in return receive $30, plus free removal of the old appliance.
“Refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 1990 typically use three times more electricity than new appliances and can cost a typical household nearly $150 a year to run,” said Jeanne M. Fox, President of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “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.”
The Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program offers an easy way for Garden State residents to save money, help protect the planet, and receive $30, by having their older, energy-wasting units hauled away for free and safe recycling. The program will provide a significant energy and cost-saving benefit and encourage proper disposal of old refrigerators and freezers.
The program’s contractor, JACO Environmental, removes the appliances from homes at no charge to utility customers. JACO then dismantles and recycles the units in an environmentally responsible manner.
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 use up to 1,500 kWh. In addition, when improperly discarded or dumped in landfills, older refrigerators and freezers can leak a host of toxic substances into the air and soil.
“They’re really environmental time-bombs unless properly handled,” said Michael Dunham, a member of the United Nations Environment Program task force and Director of Energy and Environmental Programs for JACO. “Foam insulation and coolant oils exposed to the air accelerate the buildup of greenhouse gases, while mercury used in some switches can poison the environment. JACO’s process safely recycles 95 percent of the materials from the older units. Even the foam is safely incinerated to generate electricity. By recycling one refrigerator, the overall beneficial impact on global warming alone is equal to taking two cars off the road for a year.”
This program will provide approximately 20 new jobs in New Jersey.
“These workers are real life examples of the green jobs Governor Corzine is looking to create in the state. His goal is to create 20,000 green jobs between now and 2020,” said BPU President Fox. “Creating green jobs supports the Governor’s Energy Master Plan to reduce projected growth in energy consumption by 20 percent by 2020 by continually assessing and shifting how we use power and fuel.”
To schedule the pick up of a refrigerator or freezer for recycling, New Jersey residents can call (877) 270-3520 or visit www.NJCleanEnergy.com. Customers will receive a check for $30 within 90 to 120 days after the collection of their appliance.
Both refrigerators and freezers are eligible for the recycling program. The program is limited to removal of two units per household. Appliances to be recycled must be in working order with an inside measurement of 10 cubic feet or more.