Home & Garden
The Old Fridge or Freezer Quietly Using Energy in Your Home
From a brand partner: An old fridge or freezer runs constantly. Pepco will pick it up at no cost and even pay you to recycle it.
Every home has a few appliances that quietly fade into the background. A second refrigerator in the basement. A freezer in the garage.
In homes across Maryland, appliances like these often sit for years in spaces that receive little attention. After a while, they can become easy to overlook. But if an appliance is plugged in, it’s using energy—even when you’ve forgotten about it.
Because many older appliances were built before today’s efficiency standards, they continue running to maintain temperature or remove moisture even when they are barely used. Tucked away in basements, garages, or utility rooms, it’s easy to miss how much energy they may be using.
In some cases, the impact is more noticeable than people realize. An outdated backup refrigerator alone could add about $80 a year to a household’s energy costs.*
One simple solution is to recycle appliances you no longer need.
Pepco’s Appliance Recycling program makes it easy to clear out older appliances. Schedule a no-cost pickup for an eligible refrigerator or freezer, and receive $50 for recycling it. You can also earn $25 for recycling a room air conditioner, dehumidifier, or mini fridge at the same time. Customers typically receive a check in the mail within four to six weeks.
You choose a convenient pickup time, and trained professionals handle the removal.
There is no need to move the appliance yourself or arrange disposal. The pickup team handles the heavy lifting, and several appliances can often be removed in one visit.
For many households, that means freeing up space while earning a reward and removing appliances that may have been quietly using energy for years.
What Happens After Pickup
After pickup, the appliances are processed through professional recycling systems. Many of the materials inside, such as metals and plastics, can be recovered and reused. Refrigerants and other components are handled carefully so they do not enter the environment.
That means recycling does more than clear space in your home. It also helps ensure the appliance is handled responsibly at the end of its life.
A small step can make a difference.
Sometimes improving how energy is used at home starts with letting go of something you no longer need. Recycling an older appliance is one practical way to close the loop.
Schedule your pickup today. Visit our website or call 833-202-3657.
*Source: energystar.gov
Offer valid for Pepco residential customers in Maryland only. See program website for guidance on program-specific eligibility and participation requirements. EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER Maryland programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. To learn more about EmPOWER Maryland and how you can participate, go to pepco.com/SaveEnergy.