Indiana Michigan Power (I&M) residential customers in Indiana now have an easy way to recycle their old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers and save up to $150 extra a year in energy costs. All they need to do is schedule a complimentary pick up, and receive a $30 incentive reward, through I&M’s new Appliance Recycling Program.

The intent is to provide customers with energy and cost savings while encouraging proper disposal of old refrigerators and freezers that are often kept running in garages and basements. These old appliances can consume two to three times more energy than newer units. Current models use about 450 kilowatt-hours (kWh) annually, compared with older units that burn through, on average, 1,500 kWh per year.

I&M’s program vendor, JACO Environmental, removes the appliances from participating customers’ homes at no charge and then safely dismantles and recycles the energy-guzzling appliances in an environmentally responsible manner.

For more information, and to schedule a pickup, I&M customers can call 1-877-395-5535 or visit indianamichiganpower.com/save.

“Many people don’t realize how much extra energy it takes just to keep a few beverages or leftovers chilled. It’s really unlikely they will ever be able to sell these older clunkers, and getting rid of them not only involves a lot of work, but poses an environmental hazard when they’re disposed of improperly. This program eliminates all of those problems while saving our customers a lot of money, and paying them a reward,” said Paul Chodak, president and chief operating officer for I&M.

Environmentally, not only do older, inefficient refrigerators and freezers consume more energy — placing extra pressure on precious resources — but they can become toxic hazards when discarded in landfills. The appliances contain mercury, PCBs and foam insulation that emits greenhouse gases. But through the Appliance Recycling Program, a recycling process safely disassembles refrigerators and freezers, and returns 95 percent of their materials to the manufacturing stream.

“There are many ways for people to reduce their impact on the environment. Recycling a refrigerator ranks near the top.  It works for the planet, it works for your wallet and it works for conserving our precious resources,” said Michael Dunham, director of energy and environmental programs for JACO.

The Appliance Recycling Program is only one of I&M’s SMART Programs: Saving Money And Resources Together. These programs are being unveiled in the summer and fall of 2010. “Other SMART Programs offer opportunities to receive discounts on energy efficient lighting and other items that can help customers save money and resources,” said Chodak.

Both refrigerators and freezers are eligible for the recycling program.  The program is limited to removal of two units per household. Appliances to be recycled must be in working order with an inside measurement of 10 cubic feet or more.

I&M offers energy efficiency programs to Michigan customers through Efficiency United. For information on programs in Michigan, call 877-367-3191 or visit EfficiencyUnited.com.


YaVonda Ulfig
Corporate Communications
Phone:  (260) 425-2120
ymulfig@aep.com