The City of Selkirk, in partnership with Efficiency Manitoba, is launching a fridge and freezer recycling drive that’s open to all residents in Selkirk and the surrounding areas.
Efficiency Manitoba runs an appliance recycling program that offers people a $30 rebate if they are looking to get rid of an old full-sized refrigerator or freezer (at least 10 cubic feet or bigger). The appliance must still be in working condition to be accepted for the rebate. It must also be at least 20 years old.
If the appliance meets the criteria, a third-party company, PureSphera Recovery and Recycling, will come and pick it up and haul it out of your home — for free!
Creating jobs and saving the environment
This appliance recycling drive is a result of the ongoing partnership between the City and Selkirk and Efficiency Manitoba that also resulted in the creation of the new Energy Efficiency Program Administrator position at the city, held by Sarah Lawrynuik.
In her two-year term, Lawrynuik will be working to help Selkirk residents improve energy efficiency in all facets of life.
“It’s great to have this partnership between Efficiency Manitoba and the City of Selkirk start with a program that is so practical for residents. There is nothing like the headache that comes with trying to get old, large appliances out of your house — not to mention recycled in a more environmentally responsible way. This program takes care of all of that for you. Plus, you get paid $30. What a bonus,” said Lawrynuik.
More than just fridges
For people looking to offload other appliances, a few others are also accepted, so long as they are collected with a full-sized fridge or freezer. Other eligible appliances include dehumidifiers, window-mounted air conditioning units and bar fridges.
“Recycling your old appliance can reduce your electricity bill by up to $120 a year and prevent it from ending up in the landfill. Most fridges made before 1995 contain Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that are powerful greenhouse gases that warm the earth and can destroy the ozone layer, which protects us against the sun’s harmful UV rays. That’s why it’s so important to safely dispose of fridges,” said Michael Cann, an energy efficiency specialist with Efficiency Manitoba.
“By signing up for this program, you’ll save on your energy bills and feel good knowing your appliance will be recycled responsibly.”
How to sign up
To book an appliance pick-up appointment, visit efficiencymb.ca/my-home/appliance-recycling/ or call 204-944-8181 (toll free at 1-844-944-8181). Appointments will be available starting in August through to the end of October.
Fridges and freezers should be left in their original location for pickup so that the agents can verify it is still in working order. If you live in Selkirk and you have any questions about the appliance recycling drive, or any other energy efficiency projects, please email Sarah Lawrynuik at [email protected].
