Why NYSEG's program paying you to recycle fridges, appliances is suddenly on hold
After 12 years of operation, an Appliance Recycling Program operated by New York State Electric and Gas has been temporarily shut down due to an issue with the company's third-party vendor.
The Minnesota-based third-party vendor, ARCA Recycling, recently informed NYSEG and its sister company Rochester Gas & Electric that it would no longer administer the program.
"The third party vendor hired to manage the appliance recycling program abruptly went out of business without notification to NYSEG or other utilities about status of refunds to customers," a NYSEG representative said in a written response. "As a result, NYSEG took immediate action to notify customers regarding the temporary shutdown of the program, while it searches for a new vendor."
ARCA Recycling did not respond to a request for comment.
What the program entails
Through the program, which began in May 2011, NYSEG customers could arrange for free pickup of up to two qualifying appliances per address per year — those appliances appeared to be mostly refrigerators, freezers and air conditioners. Customers would then receive a rebate of $50 per energy-inefficient refrigerator and freezer and $10 per working air conditioner.
In the midst of the program's troubles, customers have taken to social media to complain about not receiving funds promised to them in return for the appliances.
Utilities' billing woes NY blasts utilities over solar billing troubles, threatens hefty fines
All units are taken to an appliance recycling facility in Syracuse operated by JACO Environmental, which removes harmful materials and reclaims 95% of the materials for reuse in manufacturing new products.
At least 50,000 units have been received through the program and the Binghamton-based portion of the program was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 as being among the top three EPA Responsible Appliance Disposal partners in year-over-year program growth.
Spectrum blackout Will Spectrum blackout of ESPN affect your Bills vs. Jets game viewing?
What if you didn't receive your money?
You will get it.
"NYSEG will reimburse any fees incurred as a result of this circumstance, and is also issuing the promised $50 incentives to customers who were enrolled in the program before it was closed," a NYSEG representative said.
All enrolled customers have been contacted by the company, according to NYSEG, and have been provided information on how to claim their incentive.
When will the program be reinstated?
It's not clear.
NYSEG said they do not have a plan in place yet to bring back the program.
Have you faced recycling problems?
We want to know if you've experienced problems recycling your appliances with RG&E or NYSEG in the last few months, including whether you've received your promised rebate check.
If you'd like to share your story, or have a question about appliance recycling in New York, fill out the form below and your submission will go directly to a USA Today Network reporter. We may contact you as part of our further coverage.
Emily Barnes is the New York State Team Consumer Advocate Reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Contact Barnes at ebarnes@gannett.com or on Twitter @byemilybarnes. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: NYSEG appliance recycling program on hold. Here's why
