The popular Fridge BuyBack scheme is on again, when residents can hand in their old, inefficient working second fridges for a rebate (conditions apply), save on their electricity bill and help the environment.
In announcing the return of the scheme, City of Ryde Mayor, Clr Ivan Petch said the Fridge Buyback program was very popular with residents when it was first offered. “I am delighted that this service is again available to residents and I encourage them to take advantage of Fridge Buyback’s fantastic offer. It is a tangible step that residents can take to cut their energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” he said.
In the first two rounds of Fridge Buyback, 203 local residents handed in their working second fridges, saving an estimated $266,945* and 1,835 tonnes of CO2 greenhouse gas emissions avoided. (*estimated total lifetime savings ie rebate + electricity savings = $32,480 per year.)
Fridge Buyback accepts working second fridges that are 250 litres or more in size and 10 years or more old. These are often the beer fridges in people’s garages. Older fridges are expensive to run and residents frequently do not realise it is costing them around $190 a year in electricity and creating a tonne of greenhouse gases every year.
As well as free collection from their home, residents may also be eligible to receive a $35 rebate for handing in their fridge. Residents will receive the $35 rebate if 6 stairs or less are involved in removing their fridge. Residents will receive free fridge collection from their home by experienced removalists if 20 stairs or less are involved in removing the fridge.
Residents can hand in their old, inefficient working second fridges by calling 1800 708 401.
Fridge Buyback has received funding from the NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund to collect, degas and recycle 19,000 working second fridges over the next three years, saving the residents who participate more than $24 million in avoided electricity bills and 150,000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
The Climate Change Fund also provides rebates for rainwater tanks, climate-friendly hot water systems, ceiling insulation and washing machines.
Background
Fridge Buyback started in August 2006 and in two pilot phases to July 2007 collected, degassed and recycled more than 3660 fridges, resulting in estimated residential greenhouse emission reductions of over 33,000 tonnes CO2e, approximately 329,000 kilograms of metals recycled and electricity bill savings for participants of over $4.6 million. With around 40% of freestanding homes owning a working second fridge there are over 300,000 working second fridges in metropolitan Sydney. The Fridge Buyback program will continue to work closely with metropolitan Sydney Councils to promote the program, building on the successful partnership with the 24 Councils that supported the first two phases of the program. For further details on the Fridge Buyback Program go to www.fridgebuyback.com.au
For further information, contact City of Ryde Sustainability Officer, Sarah Kinsela on 9952 8247.
Media contact: Lee Kirkland 9952 8083
