Apr 14, 2010 -- Environmental Protection Agency Documents and Publications/ContentWorks



Each year Americans dispose of roughly nine million refrigerators and freezers that contain chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which deplete the ozone layer and contribute to climate change. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Arizona Public Service, the largest utility company in Arizona, are partnering through EPA's Responsible Appliance Disposal Program to ensure environmentally-responsible disposal of household appliances. This partnership will not only help to protect the environment, but it will also save consumers money.

"Everybody wins when we responsibly dispose of appliances with refrigerants," said Deborah Jordan, Director of EPA's Air Division for the Pacific Southwest. "We protect the ozone layer, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and save energy by switching to more energy efficient alternatives."

Up to 20 percent of U.S. households have secondary refrigerators or freezers in their basements or garages, which are often older, less efficient models that consume three to four times more energy than newer units. Taking these old, inefficient units off the grid saves energy and reduces home owners' utility bills.

The APS Refrigerator Recycling Program makes it easy for customers to properly dispose of inefficient older refrigerators and freezers. APS not only provides free pickup of these units but also provides customers a $30 rebate per qualifying appliance. In addition to environmental and energy benefits, utility sponsored appliance recycling programs in Arizona have created about 20 new green jobs in the Phoenix area.

APS joins over 25 other RAD utility partners in ensuring that old appliances are removed from the grid and are disposed of using the best environmental practices available. In 2008, RAD partners prevented emissions of nearly 400,000 pounds of ozone-depleting substances and 1.25 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents (MMTCO

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e greenhouse gases) by recovering appliance foam and refrigerant. The greenhouse gas reductions are equivalent to removing 229,000 passenger cars from the road for one year. RAD partners also prevented the release of hazardous materials, and saved landfill space and energy by recycling durable materials. The RAD Program invites all utilities, retailers, manufacturers, state and local governments, universities and other qualifying organizations to become partners.

More information about the Responsible Appliance Disposal Program: http://www.epa.gov/ozone/partnerships/rad/index.html

Just launched! New clean energy & climate change web site for the Pacific Southwest: http://www.epa.gov/region09/climatechange/

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Contact Information: Cara Peck, 415-972-3382, peck.cara@epa.gov

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