Central Coast Council is encouraging residents to recycle their old fridges and freezers and be rewarded for helping the environment at the same time.

Residents with unwanted or old working fridges and freezers can organise to have their items collected through the Fridge Buyback program.

Run under the NSW Government’s Energy Saving Scheme, the award-winning energy savings program collects unwanted and old working fridges and freezers (200L or more in volume) for free.

The collected whitegoods are then degassed and the metal recycled. Eligible Central Coast residents will also receive a $25 rebate.

Council’s Carbon and Energy Management Officer, Dan Waters, said the program is a great way for residents to do their bit for the environment while saving money.

“Central Coast Council is proud to support the Fridge Buyback program again in 2016,” said Mr Waters.

“The Fridge Buyback initiative is an easy way for residents to have their unwanted fridges or freezers collected and disposed of in an approved and environmentally friendly way.

“By recycling a second fridge, households can save up to $300 off their annual power bills as well as prevent over one tonne of unnecessary greenhouse gases from being emitted into the atmosphere.

“Old fridges are one of the biggest energy users in the home, consuming up to three times more energy than newer more energy efficient models.”

Since the Fridge Buyback program commenced in 2006/07, more than 56,700 fridges have been collected in NSW, saving residents more than $17M in yearly power bills and preventing over 457,600 tonnes of greenhouse gases being released into the air.

The next collection date for former Gosford City residents is Wednesday 28 September, while fridges in the former Wyong Shire will be collected on Wednesday 5 October.

For more information and to book a collection, visit www.fridgebuyback.com.au

In addition to the Fridge Buyback program, Central Coast Council residents can access a range of free services to recycle unwanted household items including printer cartridges, cameras, mobile phones, televisions and computers. For more information on what you can recycle in your area visit www.centralcoast.nsw.gov.au