How much money are your appliances costing you? Older models use two to three times the power of new ones. That’s why MidAmerican Energy Company says it’s offering the company’s residential electric customers a free Appliance Recycling program that turns old appliances into cold, hard cash. Customers with a working refrigerator, freezer or room air conditioner to be recycled can call 800-621-2757 to schedule an appliance pick-up.

A recycling company will haul away the old appliance free of charge, and MidAmerican Energy will send the customer a rebate of $50 for a refrigerator or freezer and $25 for an air conditioner. Tina Yoder, director, energy efficiency for MidAmerican Energy, said cash rebates from recycling older units, combined with rebates available on the purchase of new ENERGY STAR®-qualified appliances, make replacing appliances more affordable than people realize.

When a customer uses MidAmerican Energy’s Appliance Recycling program, their old appliance is taken apart and 95 percent of the components are either recycled for a beneficial use or disposed of in an environmentally responsible way, including the toxins and ozone-depleting gases.

To schedule a free Appliance Recycling pickup, MidAmerican Energy residential electric customers may call 800-621-2757 weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Eligible refrigerators and freezers must be 10 cubic feet or larger; no commercial sizes can be accepted. To qualify for a rebate, the appliance must be in working condition – the motor must run and the unit must cool.

MidAmerican Energy is a partner of the Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) program. RAD is a voluntary partnership program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to help protect the Earth’s ozone layer and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.