Newark electric customers can get $75 for recycling an appliance

Efficiency Smart is offering City of Newark electric customers a $75 reward for responsibly recycling an eligible refrigerator, freezer, window air conditioner or dehumidifier.

Newark electric customers can schedule a free pickup of their appliances through Sept. 30. All units must be in working condition to be eligible for pickup, and there is a limit of four appliances per household, per year.

In addition to the $75 for each unit responsibly recycled, residents will also save on their electric bill from no longer running an older appliance.

Customers can schedule their free pickup by calling Efficiency Smart at 877-889-3777 or by visiting www.efficiencysmart.org/newark-delaware and selecting “Appliance Recycling Rewards.”

Efficiency Smart is a program that Newark officials signed on to be part of in 2019. The program sells energy-efficient light bulbs at a reduced price and provides rebates for buying efficient appliances, among other initiatives.

The program is funded by the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, which supplies electricity to Newark and other municipalities in Delaware. DEMEC officials said the program will save money in the long run because reducing electric consumption will allow the utility to delay capital infrastructure investments and avoid buying expensive power during times of peak usage.