From Astoria to Ashland, Coos Bay to Enterprise, Energy Trust of Oregon is on the hunt for Oregon’s Oldest Fridge — so it can be unplugged and recycled, saving its owner hundreds of dollars each year in energy costs. Whether it’s grandma’s retro pink beauty from the ‘50s or good ol’ “trusty rusty” out in the garage, owners of refrigerators from all walks of life now have the chance to cash in.
Energy Trust is kicking off its first-ever Oldest Fridge Contest this September to help Oregonians save more money by unplugging their refrigerator relics and recycling them through Energy Trust’s refrigerator recycling service. A fridge built before 1993 can waste up to $200 a year in energy costs, compared to today’s more energy-efficient, ENERGY STAR® models, which average only $40 a year to operate.
“Millions of dollars are wasted every year by older fridges lurking in our homes,” said Matt Braman, residential program manager, Energy Trust. “While they may seem handy as a back up in the basement or garage, or even nostalgic, most are not worth the cost to keep around.”
To take part in the contest, owners simply sign up during the month of September to have their fridge recycled through Energy Trust, which provides free pick up and recycling of working fridges, plus a $50 cash incentive in return. Freezers are also accepted.
The oldest fridge recycled wins the title of Oregon’s Oldest Fridge, and its owner will receive a brand new qualifying energy-efficient appliance up to a $1,000 value.
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Contest details:
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· Oregon customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power are eligible to participate. Refrigerators and freezers will be accepted, and must be 10-30 cubic feet and in working condition to participate
· Visit www.energytrust.org/fridgecontest or call 1-866-444-8907 to enter the contest and sign up for fridge pickup before September 30, 2011. All units scheduled in September will be eligible and pick ups will occur by October 15, 2011.
· Customers do not need to have a very old fridge or freezer to participate. All qualified units will be accepted for recycling.
· Entrants can also take part in an Ugliest Fridge Photo Contest taking place on the contest website for a second chance to win a qualifying energy-efficient appliance up to a $1,000 value.
· The Oldest Fridge Contest winner will be selected on October 17, 2011.
· Visit www.energytrust.org/fridgecontest for more information or to review the complete contest rules.
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About Energy Trust’s refrigerator recycling service
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Energy Trust launched its refrigerator recycling service in August 2008 and to date has recycled more than 47,000 refrigerators and freezers. The service has helped participants save more than $2.7 million on energy bills or enough energy to power nearly 2,300 average Oregon homes for a year.
Energy Trust works with JACO Environmental, which picks up the refrigerators and freezers and recycles 95 percent of the components — keeping them out of landfills and the environment. Recycling also ensures that the energy-wasting units will not be resold or handed down, continuing to drain the region’s energy resources.
Purchase of a new refrigerator or freezer is not required to participate. However, customers can receive up to $100 in cash incentives from Energy Trust, plus state energy tax credits, when purchasing a high-efficiency, ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator or freezer.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save nearly $800 million on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
