Oregonians Unplug and Recycle 70,000 Energy-Wasting Fridges and Freezers in Four Years

Energy Trust of Oregon’s free pick up and recycling service has helped thousands trim their monthly utility bills

Since launching its fridge recycling service, Energy Trust of Oregon estimates it has helped Oregonians unplug and recycle approximately 70,000 energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers — equaling the length of 1,000 football fields if laid end to end. In total, the nonprofit estimates it has helped recycling participants save a total of $4.2 million on annual energy bills and 39 million kilowatt hours of electricity, which is enough energy to power 3,200 average Oregon homes for a year.

In August 2008, Energy Trust began offering free fridge and freezer recycling to communities across the state served by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, giving participants a chance to unplug and recycle their energy-guzzling older fridges or freezers in exchange for a cash incentive. Because models built before 1993 can use two to three times more energy than new high-efficiency models, recycling is an easy way to make an immediate difference and help save hundreds of dollars on the household energy bill.

“Older refrigerators or freezers can use a surprising amount of energy compared to today’s more energy-efficient models,” said Matt Braman, residential program manager, Energy Trust. “For those keeping an older, second fridge in their garage or basement, simply unplugging and recycling it can save up to $200 a year in energy costs.”

Through Energy Trust’s service, fridges or freezers are picked up for free from a customer’s home, then sent to a facility where 95 percent of the components are responsibly recycled, keeping them out of landfills and the environment. Energy Trust mails a $40 cash incentive six to eight weeks later.

In addition to the energy savings, an estimated 5,250 tons of metal, 875 tons of plastic, 350 tons of foam and 105 tons of glass has been kept out of the waste stream through participants taking advantage of Energy Trust’s recycling service.

All Oregon customers of PGE and Pacific Power are eligible for the service and can schedule an appointment online at www.energytrust.org/fridgerecycling or by calling 1-866-444-8907. To qualify, the refrigerator or freezer must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet and in working condition.

Purchase of a new refrigerator or freezer is not required to participate. However, customers looking for a replacement can receive up to a $100 cash incentive from Energy Trust when purchasing a new high-efficiency, qualifying ENERGY STAR® refrigerator or freezer. The fridges and freezers may cost only $40 a year to operate.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save more than $1 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.