June 8, 2018 • EPE Related News
El Paso Times: Go GreenTexas: Recycle your old appliances for money
If you’re thinking about updating your kitchen, then it’s time to start shopping for new, efficient appliances that’ll save you money in the long run. But what do you do with your old refrigerator? Your first thought might be to haul it to the curb and hope somebody will scoop it up before the waste truck comes on trash collection day.
That old fridge or freezer, however, can be recycled — just like soda cans, plastic containers and old newspapers. And, for El Paso Electric (EPE) Texas residential customers, recycling it will put a little extra cash in your pocket.
EPE is partnering with ARCA Recycling, Inc. (ARCA) to begin its Texas Appliance Recycling Program for its residential customers in Texas. To participate in the program, customers contact ARCA to schedule pick-ups of their old refrigerators or freezers at no charge and EPE will provide a $50 rebate check per qualifying appliance. Residents can also schedule a pickup online by entering their street address, last name and zip code as it appears on their electric bill.
The Texas Appliance Recycling Program encourages customers to properly dispose of their older refrigerators or freezers, which allows the components of these appliances to be recycled and converted into other products. For example, approximately 140 lbs. of metal are recovered per recycled refrigerator, and the metal can be used in new projects, such as making parts for automobiles. Using scrap metal in the production of iron and steel reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 58%. About 95% of the material in refrigerators and freezers that ARCA processes, including metal, glass and plastic, are recycled, or, in the case of hazardous waste, disposed of safely.
Carbon Dioxide is a greenhouse gas, and too much of it in the atmosphere is dangerous to your health and the ozone layer. Excessive greenhouse gases in the atmosphere increases temperatures and worsens air quality, which can result in the spread of tick-borne diseases and food and water-borne pathogens, according to the Environmental Protection Agency.
So, the Texas Appliance Recycling Program can be a triple-win situation for you: One, you don’t have to worry about hauling away your old appliance; two, you’re practicing a sustainable lifestyle and, three, you’re getting paid for your efforts. To participate, the refrigerators and freezers must be regular household size and in working order, empty, clean and plugged in at the time of pickup. The program is limited to two units per household per program year.
ARCA is a Minneapolis-based recycling company committed to energy efficiency. It offers a full array of appliance recycling and change-out services. In the past four decades, ARCA has assisted in the recycling of tens of thousands of appliances, and its programs provide appliance disposal and replacement in a safe and responsible manner. ARCA’s efforts result in preventing the release of ozone-depleting refrigerants and foam-blowing agents, as well as safely disposing of other environmentally-dangerous materials.
To schedule a pick-up, sign up online or call ARCA at 1-888-409-8567.
https://www.elpasotimes.com/story/sponsor-story/el-paso-electric/2018/05/25/go-greentexas-recycle-your-old-appliances-money/35373999/
Share this Article
