BGE Will Pay You For Old AC Units, Dehumidifiers In Columbia

COLUMBIA, MD — Those want help discarding old but still functional appliances and earn some extra money for doing so can head to Columbia SportsPark. There, BGE is offering a $25 reward to customers who drop off old conditioning units and dehumidifiers.

"By removing these older units from the energy grid and properly recycling them, event participants are not only helping to reduce energy use in their own homes," Eric Riopko, BGE's manager of residential energy efficient programs, said in a statement.

"They are also helping to reduce ozone-depleting emissions and greenhouses gases," Riopkso said, thereby "reducing the state’s carbon footprint."

To take part, people must be equipped with their BGE account number or copy of a recent BGE bill to prove they are customers.

Cars started lining up at 8:15 a.m. for the event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, June 22.

Once drivers pull up to the drop-off spot at 5453 Harpers Farm Road, BGE helpers will be on hand to unload the appliances from vehicles. The air conditioning units and dehumidifiers must be in working condition, and there is a limit of three per customer.

In four to six weeks, BGE will mail a $25 reward to those who participate.

The drop-off will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Columbia SportsPark, 5453 Harpers Farm Road, Columbia, MD 21044. It takes place rain or shine.

The Columbia Association will be offering Energy Star-certified LED light bulbs at the event.

Those who have other appliances that they would like to dispose of — a refrigerator or freezer — may qualify for a $50 reward for that and pickup by BGE. Here is more information about appliance recycling from the company.