Rebates, Green Loans, and Fridge Buybacks...

Resident Rebates

To help individuals reduce their greenhouse emissions and save energy and water both the state and federal governments provide rebate programs. Assistance is available with purchasing rainwater tanks, greywater systems, hot water systems, insulation, washing machines and even water efficient toilets (from Sydney Water). It is good to remember that by reducing your energy use you not only reduce your greenhouse gas emissions but your bills will be cheaper, saving you money in the long term.

The NSW Climate Change Fund rebate program provides:

• Rainwater tank rebate - up to $1500 for rainwater tanks connected to toilets and washing machines.
• Hot water system rebate - up to $1200 to switch from electric to solar, heat pump or gas hot water systems.
• Ceiling insulation rebate - half the cost of installing ceiling insulation in your home, to a maximum of $300.
• Washing machine rebate - $150 for buying a 4.5 star or higher WELS rated washing machine.

For details of the NSW Climate Change Fund rebates, visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/rebates or call the Environment Line on 1300 361 967.

The Residential Rebate Program also supports: Fridge Buyback - $35 to have a second fridge removed from your home

The Australian Government is providing:

The National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative provides rebates of up to $500 for households to install rainwater tanks or greywater systems.

Under the Energy Efficient Homes Package the Australian Government is also offering:

• ceiling insulation worth up to $1,600 to all Australian home owner-occupiers with limited or no ceiling insulation
• or a $1,600 rebate on the costs of installing a solar hot water system
• help for renters, with a rebate for landlords and tenants on the costs of insulating rental properties.
• Insulation

In addition residents in North Sydney can access a rebate from Sydney Water for toilet replacement.
> www.sydneywater.com.au/SavingWater/InYourHome/Toilets.cfm

Green Loans

In the future residents may also be able to access The Australian Government's Green Loans Program which will assist Australian families to install solar, water saving, and energy efficient products.

The Green Loans Program will provide:

• detailed, quality household sustainability assessments
• access to low interest Green Loans of up to $10,000 each.

This $300 million five year program will commence in mid 2009. Information currently available www.environment.gov.au/greenloans/news/update.html

You can also recover some of the costs of installing energy saving technology in your home through the RECs program www.orer.gov.au/swh/index.html

Fridge Buyback

Get rid of your second fridge to save money and the environment! Fridge Buyback is an energy efficiency program that actually pays you to reduce your electricity bill and help save the environment.

Old fridges are big energy users, consuming up to three times the energy of new fridges.  Running your second fridge adds an average of $190 a year to your electricity bill and puts 1 tonne of greenhouse gases into the environment.

If you live in our collection area you can participate if:

• you have a working second fridge in regular use;
• it is at least 10 years old; and
• it's internal volume is 250 litres or greater (8.83 cubic feet)

Experienced removalists will collect your fridge free of charge from your home if removal involves 20 stairs or less. Fridge Buyback will also pay you a $35 rebate* if removal involves six stairs or less. If removal involves 21 or more stairs, a fee will apply.

The refrigerant gas from your fridge will be removed and safely disposed of and the metals recycled. Fridge Buyback is supported by the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund and Council.  For full details and conditions see www.fridgebuyback.com.au or call 1800 708 401.