Fridge Buyback scheme now available in Port Stephens

15-January-2012

Port Stephens MP Craig Baumann has urged residents to take advantage of NSW Government’s energy saving Fridge Buyback scheme which is now available to Port Stephens households.

Mr Baumann said the service provides $35 to have an energy-guzzling second fridge taken away from your home.

The Minister for the Environment, Robyn Parker, said since the expansion into the Hunter in Maitland, Newcastle and Lake Macquarie in September, more than 570 fridges have already been collected, saving each household $265 on power bills a year.

"Many people don’t realise just how much second fridges cost to run," said Mr Baumann.

"A recent IPART study of household energy use rated a second fridge as the most wasteful and costly appliance in the home.

“Getting rid of it is the easiest single step that households can take to dramatically cut their energy bills. Old fridges can use up to three times the power of today’s more efficient models and an old fridge switched on, sitting in the garage is costing you about $265 a year to run.

The fridge collected by a professional removalist, properly degassed and the metals recycled.

Fridge Buyback is supported by NSW Government’s Climate Change Fund and coordinated by Next Energy, in partnership with local councils.

To be eligible for Fridge Buyback, second fridges must be in regular use, at least 10 years old and 250 litres in size. The $35 rebate is paid for collection from homes with six steps or less. Collection is free, but no rebate is paid, where collection involves between 7-20 steps.

For more information see www.fridgebuyback.com.au or call 1800 708 401 to confirm eligibility and make a booking.