Fridges disappear

Sun Herald
Sunday 16/11/2008 Page: 36

THE 5000th fridge has been collected as part of the NSW Government-backed Fridge Buyback program. Climate Change Minister Carmel Tebbutt said the households that sold their second fridge to the scheme for $35 would save a total of almost $1 million on energy bills this year and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 5000 tonnes "Every fridge taken out of circulation saves one tonne of greenhouse gas emissions a year and an average of $190 on electricity bills," she said.

The collected fridges under the scheme were professionally degassed and the metals recycled. Fridges account for about 13 per cent of a household's electricity use and older fridges can use up to three times the energy of new fridges. Almost a third of Sydney households have a second fridge. To be eligible for the buyback, the fridge must be a working second fridge that is at least 10 years old and with a capacity of at least 250 litres.

To book, see wwwfridgebuyback.com.au or call 1800 708401.