Hawaii Energy Offers $35 Cash For Inefficient Appliances

Hawaii Energy is offering $35 for recycling less efficient appliances. Photo courtesy of Hawaii Energy.

By Sonia Isotov

Residents who surrender old, but working, appliances will be eligible for a cash reward through a new “bounty” program offered by Hawaii Energy, the state energy conservation and efficiency program.

The bounty program will reward residents who unplug and recycle up to one refrigerator, freezer and window air conditioner with $35 each. The aim of the program is to reduce electricity consumption, carbon dioxide emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

“Many may not fully realize the amount of energy that can be wasted by older, less efficient models,” said Ray Starling, Hawaii Energy program manager, a statement released by Hawaii Energy. “We want this program to encourage people to have their old appliances recycled, particularly those that aren’t really necessary, like additional refrigerators in the garage that are usually empty.”

The statement explains that old refrigerators and freezers can use more than twice the amount of electricity of newer models. In addition, refrigerators 10-years-old or older contain more than 120 pounds of recyclable steel. The energy saved by recycling such a refrigerator is enough to run a new ENERGY STAR model for eight months.

In order to qualify to participate in the bounty program, applicants must be a residential account holder with an electric utility on the island of Hawaii, Lanai, Maui, Molokai or Oahu.

To receive a $35 cash incentive per qualified appliance, Maui County residents must personally drop off their appliances at a participating recycler, which on Maui is Hammerhead Metals, 2000 Mokulele Highway in Puunene.

The participating recycler will furnish a numbered application that must be completely filled out and submitted to Hawaii Energy. For more information, please visit www.hawaiienergy.com or call or 877-231-8222.