Duke Energy refrigerator recycling incentive now $50

PLAINFIELD -- Duke Energy customers who recycle outdated refrigerators or freezers will now receive a $50 incentive through the Duke Energy appliance recycling program.

Duke Energy's appliance recycling program encourages customers to have inefficient refrigerators and freezers picked up at their home free of charge.

In addition to the $50 incentive, being increased from $30, participants can save as much as $150 annually through lower household energy usage. Older refrigerators and freezers require as much as three times the amount of energy as newer, more energy-efficient models, Duke officials said.

To participate, persons may call Duke Energy at 855-398-6200, or visit duke-energy.com/recycle to schedule a free home pickup.

Refrigerators and freezers must be in working condition and must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet in size.

A check for $50 arrives within four to six weeks. A maximum of two units per household per calendar year will be accepted.

"Just because your refrigerator still works doesn't mean it's functioning efficiently, and if you're running multiple fridges, you're running up your bill without even realizing it," John Langston, Duke Energy appliance recycling program manager, said. "This program will pick up your appliance and pay you a $50 incentive just for participating."

Units picked up through the program are transported to an appliance recycling facility operated by JACO Environmental.

JACO safely removes harmful materials from the old energy-guzzlers, reclaiming 95 percent of the materials in the appliances for reuse in manufacturing new products.