The Every Kilowatt Counts Great Refrigerator Roundup program is designed to remove older, inefficient fridges and freezers from the electricity system. Generally, these older appliances, located in basements or garages, are plugged in but rarely used to their full capacity. The fridges, commonly referred to as ‘beer fridges’, are typically much older units that use two to three times more electricity than new refrigerators.

Household appliances account for about 20 per cent of the average homeowner’s electricity bill. Over the last two decades, in part due to Canada’s improved energy-efficiency standards, appliance manufacturers have greatly improved the efficiency of these appliances. For example, today’s refrigerators use less than half the electricity of those built in 1984 or earlier.

Program participants will sign up either online at www.everykilowattcounts.com/roundup or by calling 1-877-797-9473 to book their appointments for free pick-up of the refrigerator. Consumers will receive a confirmation call one day prior to their scheduled pick-up to ensure that the fridge or freezer is plugged in overnight (to confirm it is in working condition). Upon request, window air conditioners and smaller bar fridges will also be collected in conjunction with fridge and/or freezer pick-ups.

Recycling is a key element of The Great Refrigerator Roundup. Appliances collected through the program will be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner, resulting in a significantly reduced contribution to local landfill. Full recycling includes removal and proper handling of CFC-based refrigerants and foam insulation; draining, decontamination and recycling of compressor oils; and recycling of plastic, glass and metals.

To qualify, refrigerators or freezers must be at least 15 years old, between 10 to 27 cubic feet, and in working condition at the time of pick-up. They must also be located at a single-family residence within the service area of a participating electricity distributor. Window air conditioners and dehumidifiers must be 10 years of age or older, removed from the window for pick-up, and placed near a power outlet. For information please contact the Ontario Power Authority Customer Care Centre at 1-877-797-9473.

The Great Refrigerator Roundup program is designed to remove energy intensive appliances from the Ontario power grid. Appliances not in working condition are not eligible for pick-up.