Recycle Old Gadgets

With Christmas quickly approaching, many of us will be getting fun new gadgets, tv’s, appliances and more.

Don’t just throw your old ones away, recycle them! Visit Earth911.com to find a recycling center near you.

Just click on the type of item you want to recycle, it can be anything from paper to metal to computer electronic equipment.

Then just put in your zip code and a recycling center near you will be found.

Energy-efficient appliance rebates in Florida; recycle your appliance and make money

Good news if you live in Florida and are planning on buying a new appliance. A bill signed into law this week will give consumers extra incentive to buy energy efficient appliances. Florida consumers will save “an average of 20 percent reduction or money back in the form of rebates for customers who buy refrigerators, washers, dryers and other products deemed energy-efficient,” according to an article from the Tampa Bay Business Journal.

The article goes on to say that the rebate money will come from a combination of, “$18 million in federal funds as well as $150,000 from state coffers.”

The program will be run by the Florida Energy and Climate Commission. Visit their website now to find out more information. http://myfloridaclimate.com/.

Get paid to recycle your old refrigerator in Dayton, Ohio

Dayton Power and Light is offering to pick up residential customers’ refrigerators for free, and to pay residents in the form of a $25 rebate for certain types of refrigerators, according to an article from the Dayton Daily News.

The refrigerator must meet the following criteria in order to qualify:

• 10 to 30 cubic feet in size
• refrigerator must be empty and in working condition
• A clear path to reach and remove the appliance must exist

The old refrigerators will be recycled by JACO Environmental Inc. in an environmental-friendly way. To learn more about the appliance recycle program visit www.dpandl.com/save.

For more information:

• Florida Energy and Climate Commission Appliance Rebates
• Dayton Power and Light Refrigerator Recycling Program
• Refrigerator Repair Parts
• Refrigerator Repair Help
• Samsung Refrigerator Parts
• Post your refrigerator repair problem, get a free answer

Save some green on a new energy-efficient appliance on Earth Day

Pay zero sales tax on the purchase of new Energy Star appliances, get rebates for recycling, save money off your utility bills and have your old bulky items hauled away for free.

Earth Day is Wednesday and in celebration many states are helping consumers to go green and to save some green ---money that is.

If you live in Missouri, you will not have to pay the 4.225 percent state sales tax on the purchase of Energy Star-qualified appliances during the "Show-Me Green Sales Tax Holiday" going on today through Saturday, April 25.

For Michigan residents, you can receive 10 percent off the cost (up to $75) of a new washer and dryer, dishwasher and refrigerator through 2011.

To see what rebates programs are available for your state or city, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency, http://www.dsireusa.org/. The database also includes local utility companies, as many of them are offering rebates as well for the purchase of qualified energy appliances.

Not only will all these programs save you money off the purchase of your new appliance, but your new energy-efficient appliance will save you money each and every year by lowering your utility bills. For example, replacing a refrigerator built before 1990 will shave $200 off your yearly electric bill.

After buying your new appliance, be sure to help the Earth out by recycling your old appliance. In some cases you can do this for free or actually earn money off your old appliance. Check with your utility company if they offer any energy rebates or recycling programs. Some companies will offer you money in the form of a "rebate" which you can use against future energy bills, sort of like a gift certificate.

For example, if you are a Nebraska resident you can get a $35 rebate check for recycling old, energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers. The Nebraska Public Power District's refrigerator recycling program includes free pickup of refrigerators and freezers, and a $35 rebate check for you. Electric customers of any participating utility can take advantage of the program by calling 866-444-9160 or visiting http://www.appliancerecycling.com/ to schedule a free pickup.

If you live in Winter Haven, Florida, you can recycle your old appliances for free on Wednesday. Residents can have bulk items removed from the curb which they would otherwise be charged for. Items included in the service include: mattresses, appliances like refrigerators, dryers, water heaters, TVs and other electronic items.

There are tons of other program similar to these out there. Be sure to look for such programs around where you live as the Earth Day holiday is helping more people than ever save the planet and save some money.

Helpful links

• Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency
• http://www.appliancerecycling.com/
• Find local Earth Day Events in your community

Advice when purchasing new appliances

Buying a new appliance can seem like a daunting task. It’s a lot of money and a big investment that you hope will last you for many years. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go shopping for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine.

Look at the base model or ask to see the most basic model the store has in stock. Like supermarket’s, the basics you need (like bread and milk) are at the back of the store, out of sight to consumers once they enter the store. The same theory applies to places that sell appliances, the latest and greatest and sometimes, most expensive models are out in front. Even so, just looking at the most expensive models will make the ones more in your price range seem pale in comparison. Start at the base models and work your way up.

Read the energy efficient rating on the machine. This will tell you how much energy the machine uses and how much money it could save you. Don’t buy more than what you need. If you have a small family, you might not need a huge refrigerator or washing machine.

Be careful about buying extended warranty plans. According to an article by ConsumerReports.org, they are not the “great investment” that salespeople make them out to be. Ask about when the warranty would start and what it covers. In recent years major appliance makers like Maytag, and Whirlpool have shortened the warranty period for new machines, but not always. Be sure to check how long the manufacturer’s warranty lasts and what is covers such as replacement appliance parts.

Ask to buy the floor model or offer to purchase appliances with cosmetic damages (scratches and dings)

Buy last year’s model (best time to shop: September and October) and see if you can trade-in your old appliance (check with appliance dealers in your area.)

Be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is the cost of appliance delivery?
• What is the cost of appliance installment? Do you need to purchase any additional appliance parts, or do they provide those for you?
• Will they haul your old appliance away for free of for a price? If they charge you for this, contact a recycling center or call your local sanitation department to see if they offer appliance recycling programs. Use the internet to look up local places that might buy your appliance for scrap metal.
• Ask about rebates. The government is offering some rebates for the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances. Check your state’s website to see what rebates are available.