Hawaii Energy Renames Refrigerator Recycling Program

Posted August 18, 2014

Hawaii Energy, the ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program for Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai and Oahu, is renaming its refrigerator recycling offer from the Bounty Program to “Rid-A-Fridge” to send a clear message: Get rid of your extra fridge.

Rid-A-Fridge is an offer that encourages residents to give up their second refrigerator or freezer that in turn can save as much as $292 on Oahu, $314 on Maui and $336 for Hawaii Island on their electric bill annually1. Refrigerators and freezers built prior to 1993 can be two to three times more expensive to operate than a new ENERGY STAR® model.

Hawaii Energy will provide free curb-side pick-up, proper recycling and $50 (Oahu residents) and $65 (Maui & Hawaii Island residents) rebates. Residential participants on Oahu, Hawaii Island and Maui are eligible to participate. In order to qualify, refrigerators or freezers must be full-size (at least 14 cubic feet) and in working condition.

“There are multiple benefits to recycling an energy-wasting refrigerator or freezer,” explained Caroline Carl, Hawaii Energy Residential & Transformational Program Director. “Participants don’t need to worry about hauling away their refrigerator; they’ll receive a financial incentive and begin saving money on their electric bill immediately.”

The new name for this offer was inspired by a Hawaii Energy promotion to support Hawaii’s food banks last October called, “Rid-A-Fridge to Fight Hunger.” Participants were given the option to donate their rebates to the following food banks: Hawaii Foodbank (Oahu), Maui Food Bank and The Food Basket (Hawaii Island).

The promotion raised more than $3,000 for all three food banks. Due to its success, residents can continue to donate their rebates throughout Hawaii Energy’s new program year ending on June 30, 2015.

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

Actual savings may vary depending on the age and condition of the removed appliance and the electricity rates of each island as of September 2013

Since the refrigerator recycling program began in August 2011, approximately 1,956 refrigerators and freezers have been properly recycled and kept out of landfills. It is estimated that more than 1.67 million kilowatt hours (kWh) and $568,820 in electricity costs have been saved annually, based on an average $0.34 per kWh. Recycling ensures that the inefficient units will not be resold or handed down thus continuing to waste energy. Appointments to schedule a pick-up can be made by calling (808) 537-5577 on Oahu and toll-free on Hawaii Island and Maui at (877) 231-8222. For more information, please visit www.HawaiiEnergy.com/rid-a-fridge.