Refrigerator/Freezer Rebate & Recycling - FAQs
How does the program work?
Contact Fort Collins Utilities to recycle your old refrigerator/freezer and receive a $35 rebate.
Who can participate?
All electric customers can recycle a qualifying refrigerator/freezer.
Do I have to buy a new refrigerator or freezer to get the rebate?
No, but if you do, look for the ENERGY STAR® label to lower your electric bills.
Will you haul away a non-working refrigerator/freezer?
No. The program reduces electricity use by disposing of older refrigerators and freezers that are now in use. Contact the Larimer County Landfill, (970) 498-5770, for information on safely disposing of non-working appliances.
How "old" is old for a refrigerator or freezer?
A pre-1989 refrigerator uses up to four times the electricity of a new refrigerator. Federal standards for refrigerator and freezer efficiency changed in 1989, 1993, 2001 and 2004. Each time the standard changes, appliances become more efficient.
Why is Fort Collins Utilities paying me to recycle?
Old refrigerators and freezers use a lot of electricity. With a newer model, you'll lower your electric bill and Utilities won't have to purchase as much electricity for that appliance, which reduces emissions from fossil-fuel electricity production.
Why does Utilities want to help customers reduce energy consumption?
The Refrigerator/Freezer Recycling Program is part of a broad effort to reduce electrical energy consumption 10% by 2012 and peak electrical demand 15% by 2012 in the Utilities service area. See the City’s Energy Policy (PDF 47KB) for details.
How is a refrigerator or freezer "recycled?"
The recycling process de-manufactures the appliance, recovering about 98% of materials. The program recovers the primary refrigerant, recycles non-hazardous materials (such as metal, plastic, glass and oil), and destroys hazardous materials (such as mercury and PCBs) and ozone-depleting CFC-11 contained in the foam insulation.
|
