A recycling drive for old refrigerators and freezers is being offered to Puna residents.
The event is made possible by Hawaii Energy, the state’s energy conservation program, in partnership with the Hawaii County Department of Environmental Management.
On Saturday, Aug. 24, residents in the Puna area can recycle old, working refrigerators or freezers and receive $100 per unit.
The event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Keaau Middle School.
“Hawaii Energy’s Rid-A-Fridge program is a convenient way for residents to recycle their old, energy-consuming refrigerators and freezers which not only helps them save on their monthly electric bills, but also prevents these appliances from filling up landfills,” said Caroline Carl, executive director of Hawaii Energy, in a press release. “We’re pleased to partner with the (DEM) for this program to make it easier for participants to properly recycle their appliances.”
Residents must apply in advance, and applications are available on a first come, first served basis.
The drive is open to Hawaii Island residents of the following zip codes: 96749, 96778, and 96771. Fridges must be 14 cubic feet or larger.
Residents must download the application at www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/appliances/ and email the completed form to denise.e.nakamura@leidos.com by Aug. 20. If submitting by “snail mail,” the deadline to mail is Aug. 18.
“Hawaii Energy’s Rid-A-Fridge program not only helps tackle public dumping, but empowers our families to reinvest in energy efficiency on their own terms,” said Alex White, county recycling specialist, in the press release.
Since 2010, Hawaii Energy has recycled more than 6,000 units through its Rid-A-Fridge program across Hawaii Island, Maui County and Oahu.
For more information about the upcoming Rid-A-Fridge recycling drive, and to download the required application form, visit www.hawaiizerowaste.org/recycle/appliances/.
