Refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers, and window air conditioning units are important pieces of equipment, but once they’ve passed their prime, they can become an inconvenience or even a danger.
Fortunately, Efficiency Manitoba has a program that can not only help, but make it worth one’s while in a few ways.
The disadvantages of older appliances
Efficiency Manitoba runs their Appliance Recycling Program throughout the province that can help remove aged refrigerators and freezers that get in the way or just need to be replaced.
“Older fridges and freezers tend to use a lot of electricity, so the intent or what inspired the Appliance Recycling Program was the need to get these inefficient appliances off the electric grid and recycled in an environmentally friendly way,” says Tristan King, a residential energy specialist with Efficiency Manitoba.
For King, an important reason to become involved in the program comes down to dollars and cents — inefficient appliances result in higher energy bills.
“Not only that, but the refrigerants used are harmful to the environment and your health. These refrigerants are ... ozone-depleting substances, so they interact with and destroy the Earth's ozone layer if they are released.”
Convenience, ease, and a rebate
While saving money and protecting the environment is reason enough to arrange the disposal of old refrigerators and freezers, Efficiency Manitoba’s program has even more benefits.
Another is convenience. The initiative includes free in-home pickup of old working refrigerators and freezers, and while Efficiency Manitoba’s service provider makes the visit to one’s home, it will also take away other types of appliances.
“We also pick up dehumidifiers, window air conditioner units, and bar-sized fridges or freezers if they are accompanied by a full-sized fridge or freezer,” says King.
The program, which accepts up to three full-sized fridges and/or freezers per household, also offers a $30 rebate for each one.
What happens to the appliances?
The Appliance Recycling Program is one that embodies what Efficiency Manitoba strives to do in the province. According to King, the Crown corporation is “dedicated” to implementing ways to make the most out of energy in the province.
“We offer programs and rebates to help Manitobans save energy, money, and the environment,” he says. “We're here to make energy efficiency upgrades easier and more affordable for homes, businesses, and communities so that all Manitobans can enjoy the benefits of energy efficiency.”
Once appliances are collected through the organization’s program, Efficiency Manitoba’s service provider breaks them down and recycles them, resulting in various materials used in industries like construction.
How to participate
To be eligible to participate in the Appliance Recycling Program, one must:
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Be a homeowner or live in a residential single-family property or condo with a private entrance
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Have a refrigerator or freezer that is 20 years or older in working condition, 10 cubic feet or larger
To register for the program, sign up online here or call 204-944-8181.
In the end, Efficiency Manitoba’s program has no downside. In addition to helping the environment and participating in recycling, there are financial benefits.
“Not only do you get the $30 rebate, but you're also lowering your monthly energy bill by removing the old, inefficient appliance through our program,” reiterates King. “You don't have to pay someone to remove the appliance.”
For anyone interested in learning more about energy efficiency in the province, King says that Efficiency Manitoba's energy efficiency advocate in Brandon, Ingrid Gatin, is an “excellent resource” for all things related to the topic. Questions for Gatin can be emailed to i.gatin@brandon.ca.