Large appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and air conditioners are some of the biggest energy hogs you may have in your home. While we encourage our customers to upgrade to more energy efficiency appliances, did you know that we also provide financial incentives to let us handle the recycling of your old appliances?

In New York, NYSEG and RG&E customers can request a free pick-up of two appliances per address per year. Eligible appliances include full-size refrigerators, standalone freezers and room air conditioners—both portable and window units. Our program partner ARCA Recycling picks up the units, removes the insulating foam for contained incineration and processes the appliance bodies for metal shredding and recycling.

For these efforts, NYSEG has been recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program as one of the top three partners in year-over-year program growth.

In 2021, NYSEG and RG&E customers have recycled 2,615 full-size refrigerators, 556 stand-alone freezers and 302 room air conditioners. Removing these inefficient appliances from the electric system is the equivalent of taking 687 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road.

The appliance recycling program also prevents ozone-depleting substances in insulating foam from being released into the atmosphere; diverts metal, glass and plastic from landfills; and ensures proper handling of hazardous waste materials.

“As we strive to build a clean energy future, this acknowledgment is a recognition of our customers’ commitment to taking this journey with us,” said Laney Brown, vice president of sustainability for AVANGRID. “We are proud of this honor from the EPA, and even more so of our program to offer safe, responsible recycling options for customers who upgrade to energy-efficient appliances for their homes.”

“Even after 15 years, our RAD partners continue to go above and beyond when it comes to appliance recycling,” said Joe Goffman, principal deputy assistant administrator for the EPA’s Office of Air and Radiation. “Their successful efforts to recycle foams and reduce the amount of durable goods sent to landfills is having a positive impact on our environment, and we congratulate these RAD Leadership Award Winners on their achievements.”