Program pays cash for old refrigerators

Hawaii Energy, a ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program, is giving residents the opportunity to cut down on energy costs as well as give back to the community with a refrigerator recycling program called "Rid-A-Fridge."

Formerly known as the "Bounty Program," this energy saving initiative focuses on collecting refrigerators and freezers to prevent the older units from being handed down or resold. The company is encouraging families to give up their second refrigerator or freezer to save energy and money. Hawaii Energy will pick up and recycle old refrigerators for free and pay a rebate to participants.

Oahu residents receive $50, while Maui and Hawaii island residents get $65 to recycle their inefficient units.

Hawaii Energy’s partnership with local food banks gives participants the option to donate the rebates to Hawaii Foodbank in Oahu, Maui Food Bank, or The Food Basket on Hawaii island. Hawaii Energy does not serve Kauai. Hawaii Energy’s promotion raised a combined $3,000 for all three major food banks since October.

"We’d like to give a big mahalo to the community for their kindness and generosity for supporting Hawaii’s food banks," said Hawaii Foodbank Vice President and COO, Polly Kauahi. "Hawaii Energy has been tremendous to work with and we look forward to another great year."

Hawaii Energy changed the name of its bounty and freezer program on Monday to help the community to better understand the program’s goal.

"Our program is devoted to promoting energy efficiency by re­moving the older refrigerators off of the grid. We make sure the residents receive energy savings but also make sure the refrigerators don’t end up in a landfill," explained Caroline Carl, Hawaii Energy residential and transformational program director.

Refrigerators and freezers made prior to 1993 can be two to three times more expensive to operate than a new Energy Star model.

Residents who give up a second, older refrigerator on Oahu, Maui and the Big Island can save as much as $292, $314 and $336, respectively, on their annual electric bill.

Hawaii Energy reports it has saved residents over $560,000 in total electricity costs annually and has collected approximately 1,956 refrigerators and freezers since the program’s launch.

"The refrigerators are taken to the local recycling yards and all of the refrigerators are drained, the oil is removed, and then they are stripped of all of the metals," said Carl. "The remaining material is then compressed and shipped off the island to companies that can use the material."