June 1

Retailer Sears is launching a new campaign that aims to recycle 5 million older appliances and replace them with energy-efficient models.

Through the campaign, called "The Big Switch," Sears will haul away and recycle old kitchen and laundry appliances with the purchase and delivery of a new energy-efficient model. The company also started a website, www.searsbigswitch.com, that provides information on recycling old appliances and energy- and water-efficient products. The site also provides a map to appliance energy-efficiency rebates.

"Sears is committed to offering the benefits of energy efficiency and Energy Star to our customers and helping them save money," said Doug Moore, president of Home Appliances for Sears. "On the heels of the national ´Cash for Appliances´ program, we hope to create a movement with The Big Switch that encourages even more customers to take the Energy Star Pledge, consider Energy Star qualified appliances and learn more about the small steps they can take to make a difference for our environment."

Sears is a member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency´s Responsible Appliance Disposal program. Through the program, the company guarantees refrigerants and harmful materials in the appliances are properly recovered and reclaimed or destroyed.

Contact Waste & Recycling News reporter Amanda Smith-Teutsch at 330-865-6166 or asmith-teutsch@crain.com

w w w . w a s t e r e c y c l i n g n e w s . c o m

copyright 2010 by Crain Communications Inc. All rights reserved.