The Central Coast is the latest region to sign up to the New South Wales Government’s Fridge Buyback initiative.

Local residents can now get rid of their energy guzzling second fridge while saving money, electricity and the environment.

Old fridges are one of the biggest energy users in the home, costing residents an average of $210 a year to operate.  Their use also results in a tonne of greenhouse gases being released every year.

Wyong Shire Mayor Bob Graham said the Councils had joined the Fridge Buyback program, which allows residents to recycle their unused second fridge.

“Older fridges use up to three times the electricity of a modern more energy-efficient fridge, so there is a real benefit to getting rid of those unwanted second fridges,” Mayor Graham said.

“The Fridge Buyback program provides most residents with free collection by professional removalists and a $35 rebate.

“There are a few terms and conditions: the fridge must be the household’s second fridge, be in working condition, over 10 years old and be 250 litres or greater in size. So it is important residents check their eligibility before booking in a pick up.”

The $35 rebate applies to homes with six steps or less. For homes with 7 to 20 steps the fridge is collected for free but no rebate is available.  A fee will apply only if the property has more than 20 steps.

Gosford City Mayor Chris Holstein said once collected the fridges were professionally degassed and the metals recycled.

“The refrigerant gases are collected and safely destroyed using trained staff licensed under the Australian Refrigeration Council’s requirements, while the metals are collected and recycled,” Mayor Holstein said.

“This program has the potential to make a big difference, it is a tangible and easy step that residents can take to cut their energy bills and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. 

“If the local uptake of other sustainability initiatives such as rainwater tanks and water efficient washing machines is anything to go by the Central Coast should be well up to the challenge.”

To date residents the Sydney and Illawarra regions have saved an estimated $2.3 million a year on their electricity bills and avoided more than 90,000 tonnes in future greenhouse gas emissions.

Households that have been using two fridges can have their old working second fridges collected by calling 1800 708 401.

For further information visit www.fridgebuyback.com.au