Greentech Lead America: Potomac Edison, a subsidiary of FirstEnergy, has
launched a new Appliance Recycling Program. Through this program, Potomac
Edison offers a $50 rebate for Maryland residents who hand over their old
second refrigerators or freezers for recycling.
Studies have shown that refrigerators and
freezers manufactured before 1990 can consume three times more electricity than
newer appliances. Potomac Edison claims that this program will help Maryland
customers reduce energy costs by up to $150 per year by recycling their
inefficient refrigerators.
“These units represent a sizeable energy expense for
a household and provide only limited use in most homes today. This is an
excellent opportunity for our customers to enjoy substantial annual savings,
and receive a $50 rebate reward,” said Jim Fakult, president of Maryland
operations for FirstEnergy.
Through the recycling process, 95 percent of the old
appliance will be beneficially reused, and any toxic substances, including oil
or refrigerant, will be disposed of properly, preventing from sending to a
landfill.
Potomac Edison works with JACO Environmental, which
removes the appliances from residents’ homes. JACO then transports the units to
its recycling facility, where the old appliances are dismantled and
de-manufactured in an environmentally responsible manner.