FirstEnergy starts appliance recycling program in Ohio

Customers of Akron, Ohio-based FirstEnergy Corp.'s Ohio utilities—Ohio Edison, Toledo Edison and The Illuminating Co.—can receive $50 when they recycle an old, working refrigerator or freezer. Customers can call 855-485-7463 or visit www.energysaveOhio.com to schedule a pickup.

"Often, an outdated refrigerator either sits unused or is used for extra storage in a garage or basement," says John Dargie, vice president, energy efficiency. "Customers can now responsibly recycle their old refrigerators, which is good for the environment and can lead to energy savings. Refrigerators that are more than 10-years-old can use twice the amount of energy of newer Energy Star models, resulting in savings of more than $100 a year in energy costs."

Recleim LLC, Atlanta, manages the recycling program for FirstEnergy's Ohio utilities. More than 95 percent of the materials in the appliances are captured and sent into recycling streams including metals, plastics and glass. 

Additional energy efficiency programs for residential customers of FirstEnergy's Ohio utilities, including incentives for lighting and other energy-efficient products, are expected in the coming months.