National Grid aims to remind customers that they can save more than just money by participating in the company’s free refrigerator and freezer recycling program.

The energy company recently released a refrigerator recycling infographic to show their customers the many benefits of the free service.

While the draw of the program is the $50 mail-in rebate given to customers to put toward the purchase of a new ENERGY STAR-qualified refrigerator, National Grid hopes to educate customers on the many environmental benefits of the program, which has recycled more than 26,200 refrigerators and freezers since June 2009.

According to information provided by National Grid, 95 percent of the materials that come from a refrigerator can be recycled or responsibly eliminated. For example, the plastic portions can be used for computers and mobile phones, metal portions can be used to create nails and beverage cans, and the glass will be taken and used for cement. Oils in the appliance can also be used in other industrial equipment.

In addition, recycling a fridge instead of tossing it in a landfill prevents up to 10 tons of CO2 and CO2 equivalent from entering the atmosphere. According to National Grid, that is the equivalent of keeping two cars off of the road for a year.

Also, by recycling 25,000 refrigerators, 250,000 pounds of foam insulation is kept out of landfills and 75,000 pounds of aluminum is recycled.

The remaining portions of the appliances such as capacitors, mercury-containing switches and thermostats, and unusable metals, plastics and foam are sent to either waste incinerators or waste-to-energy incinerators.

Of course, there is also the monetary savings to customers who take advantage of recycling older refrigerators. In addition to the $50 rebate, National Grid estimates a new, energy-efficient refrigerator will save customers up to $150 in energy costs.

To participate in the free recycling program, one must be a customer of National Grid, and the refrigerator or freezer must be between 10 and 30 cubic feet using inside measurements, and be clean, empty and in working order. They also ask that there be a clear path from the appliance to the door for the ease of removal by JACO Environmental, the recycling contractor.

To schedule a pick-up or for more information, call 1-877-545-4113.

Additional information with infographic images may also be found at https://www1.nationalgridus.com/FridgeRecycleRI-RI-RES