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Frequently Asked Questions


What is the The Great Refrigerator Roundup program?
PDI, with support from the Ontario Power Authority, is making it simple for you to do your part to conserve energy and ease the strain on the electricity system. This program offers free pick up of older refrigerators, freezers, window air conditioners and small bar fridges from residents of Ontario. All appliances collected will be fully decommissioned in an environmentally friendly manner.

Why would I want to participate in this program?
There are many great reasons to participate in this program. By having your old inefficient refrigerator or freezer removed from your home, you will be saving money by eliminating a major home electricity user. You will be helping the environment by reducing the impact of electricity generation and by having the fridge, freezer or window air conditioner decommissioned in an environmentally responsible way. There are no hassles, a professional contractor will remove the fridge/freezer or window air conditioner from your home and take it away for you for proper decommissioning.

I have an older fridge, freezer or window air conditioner and I want to get rid of it immediately, what do I do?
Simply book your appliance pick up time by calling 1-877-797-9473 and then wait for the pick up to occur. By doing this, you will ensure that your appliance is taken away and decommissioned in the most environmentally friendly way possible.

How do I know if my appliance will qualify for the program?
Your refrigerator or freezer must be 10 years or older, it must be located in a residential dwelling or apartment. It must be in working condition at the time of pickup, and must be between 10 and 27 cubic feet.

You may also include for pick up during the same appointment, any old window air conditioners and or a smaller sized refrigerator or freezer that is smaller than 10 cubic feet, and in working condition.

While customers will be required to provide this information at the time of scheduling an appointment, the pick up service providers will be required to verify that the eligibility requirements have been met.

How do I sign up?

  • You can book on-line by visiting the Ontario Power Authority’s website at www.everykilowattcounts.com/roundup.
  • You may also book an appointment by calling the Ontario Power Authority’s Customer Contact Centre at 1-877-797-9473.

Is there anything I should remember to do prior to my pickup appointment?
The fridge/freezer should be plugged in 24 hours before your pick up appointment so that we can verify that it is in working condition.

  • Remove all food from the appliance and defrost the freezer.
  • Drain the drop pan and disconnect all water lines from the unit prior to pickup.
  • Ensure a clear pathway to the appliances being removed by clearing any furniture or storage items nearby.
  • Remove or restrain any pets.

You will receive a confirmation number and you will receive a reminder one or two days prior to your pick up appointment.

What's so bad about older fridges, freezers or window air conditioners?
Technologies have changed tremendously over the past 20 years. A typical fridge built in 1986 uses 1,500 kWh, costing $180 per year while a new Energy Star® rated fridge uses approximately one third less energy.

Does it make sense to replace my older fridge, freezer or window air conditioner with a new one?
It may, because newer fridges (freezers or window air conditioners) cost so much less to operate than an older unit. For example, replacing a 20-year-old 18 cubic feet refrigerator with a new Energy Star® qualified refrigerator will result in an annual energy cost savings of about $130. At this rate, the savings will pay for the cost of the new refrigerator in 5 to 7 years.

What is being done with the appliances that are taken away?
The appliances are being decommissioned and dismantled so that the components can be recycled in an environmentally responsible way. Only a bare minimum of material will reach landfill sites. Particular attention is being paid to the chemicals used in fridges that are significant atmospheric pollutants and responsible for ozone depletion. These are being contained and destroyed.

Why is this initiative happening?
Ontario’s electricity use is growing. Population growth and increases in use of electrical devices will cause increasing demand. This demand can be met by building more generating stations, but that is expensive and has environmental implications. An alternative way to allow for growth is to help Ontarians use electricity as efficiently as possible; using only the electricity they need and, where possible, avoiding using it at times when the peak demand for electricity is highest. This saves Ontarians money and reduces impact on the environment.

What is the Ontario Power Authority?
It is an organization set up by the Ontario provincial government to Plan the Ontario Power System, Develop Generation, Develop the Electricity Sector and encourage electricity conservation.

Are there other programs to save electricity that are available to homeowners now?
Yes, there are currently three programs being run by the Ontario Power Authority that you may be interested in:

  • The peaksaver™ program allows qualified customers to receive an incentive to have PDI briefly reduce the central air conditioner’s electricity usage during critical peak times, which are typically weekday afternoons during the hottest days of the summer but never on holidays or weekends.
  • Cool Savings Rebate:  Rebates are offered to residents who replace old air conditioning systems with ENERGY STAR® – qualified models, on tune-ups for existing air conditioning systems and installations of programmable thermostats by program-registered technicians. Participating heating and cooling contractors as well as complete program details can be found on the Ontario Power Authority’s website: www.everykilowattcounts.com/CoolSavings