DTE Energy recycles 35,000 units

DTE Energy has a program to pick up and recycle old refrigerators and freezers. If a consumer buys a new refrigerator or freezer after July 26 at a participating Sears store, they can select a convenient time for a crew to deliver the new unit to their home, and haul away the old unit, free of charge. Replacing an old inefficient refrigerator or freezer can save customers as much as $150 per year on energy costs.

The program, which is part of the Your Energy Savings initiative at DTE Energy, has recycled 35,000 older refrigerators and freezers since it began in 2009. All of the recycled collected appliances are taken apart at a recycling plant in Livonia, operated by JACO Environmental. Ninety-five percent of the materials in the refrigerators are recycled, and various hazardous materials properly handled.

Program participants will receive their $40 reward by mail in 4 to 6 weeks.