EPA’s Responsible Appliance Disposal Program Honors PPL Electric Utilities

On October 28, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced award recipients at its first annual Responsible Appliance Disposal Program Leadership Awards Ceremony.  

Of the 14 partners receiving awards, PPL Electric Utilities of Allentown, was presented the RAD Champion Award for outstanding program achievements in appliance recycling.

Partners in EPA’s RAD program commit to collecting and disposing of old appliances such as refrigerators and freezers, window air conditioners, and dehumidifiers, using best environmental practices. 

While complying with EPA laws and regulations on the recovery of refrigerant, used oil, mercury, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), partners have also committed to recovering appliance foam, promoting the recycling of all durable goods, and the permanent disposal of old, inefficient appliances to save energy.

As a result of their commitments, RAD partners have achieved significant environmental benefits since the program first launched in 2006, including reducing emissions of ozone-depleting substances by nearly 2,000 tons.

“Our RAD partners have increased appliance recycling by using best practices to reduce emissions, save energy and build partnerships in our communities,” said EPA Mid-Atlantic Regional Administrator Cosmo Servidio.  “I am proud to recognize the positive impact our partners have on the environment as we add PPL Electric Utilities to this exceptional group.”

PPL received this 2020 RAD Champion Award for “outstanding performance in foam recovery to avoid emissions of ozone-depleting substances.” This included:

-- Starting their appliance recycling program in 2009 (refrigerators, freezers, room ACs).

-- Adding dehumidifiers in 2017.

-- Having recycled over 65,500 units to date.

-- Continuing an extensive customer awareness and engagement program, including newsletters, bill inserts, website banners, billboards, TV ads, social media messaging, hosting appliance recycling and food drive events in partnership with local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, attending community events and participating in national ENERGY STAR programs like “Flip Your Fridge.”

-- Actively highlighting and promoting their energy efficiency rebate and incentive programs to encourage customer participation to save energy and money.

Click Here to learn more about PPL’s Appliance Recycling Program.

Visit EPA’s RAD Program webpage to learn more about this program.

[Posted: October 28, 2020]  PA Environment Digest