2009 Media Releases
Willoughby Ranks Second for Fridge Buyback
16 March 2009
Residents have taken up the Fridge Buyback offer eagerly and Willoughby is now ranked second out of 38 Sydney councils participating in the program. This outstanding result indicates that Willoughby residents have taken the opportunity to save money and help the environment.
A total of 278 old but working second fridges have been collected from Willoughby residents since the commencement of the program in 2006, collectively saving an estimated 2 359 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and approximately $391 000 in electricity bills.
Fridge Buyback is an energy efficiency program supported by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change. The program aims to collect, degas and recycle more than 19 000 working fridges from metropolitan Sydney over the next three years saving more than $24 million in electricity costs and 150 000 tonnes of greenhouse gases.
“There has been an outstanding response from our community in taking up the Fridge Buyback offer. Willoughby City Council’s ranking has risen very quickly to take second place showing Willoughby residents are committed to doing their bit for the environment,” said Willoughby Mayor, Pat Reilly.
“Fridge Buyback estimates there are nearly 5 000 eligible fridges in Willoughby so if residents have an old fridge they no longer need they can take the opportunity to have it removed and save on electricity bills and reduce emissions,” he said.
Participating households will save an average of $190 per year in electricity bills and eight tonnes of greenhouse gases, as older fridges use up to three times as much energy as new fridges.
To qualify for the Fridge Buyback offer, second fridges must be at least 10 years old, 250 litres or larger and in working order. Residents who are thinking of ways to save energy can have their fridge collected by professional removalists and if less than six stairs are involved in the move fridge owners will be rewarded with $35.
Residents can arrange for a collection online at www.fridgebuyback.com.au or by calling the Fridge Buyback hotline on 1800 708 401 during business hours.
Media Contact
Media and Marketing Group Manager
Phone: 9777 7703
Mobile: 0421 492 757
Email: rebecca.hill@willoughby.nsw.gov.au