That extra fridge humming away in the corner could be worth dinner for hundreds of neighbors. Through Hawai‘i Energy’s Rid‑A‑Fridge program, residents can have a working full‑size refrigerator or freezer hauled away at no charge, collect a $75 rebate, or donate that money to local food banks. Program partners say a single donated rebate can be stretched into hundreds of meals for families across the islands.
How Rid‑A‑Fridge works
To get started, residents need the contract ID from their electric bill, plus the make, model, serial number, approximate age, and size of the old unit. With that in hand, call 808‑537‑5577 (local) or toll‑free 1‑877‑231‑8222 to schedule a free pickup. The hauler will collect the appliance, file the rebate application on your behalf, and mail out the $75 check within six to eight weeks. Pickup is free, and a receipt can be left on request, according to Maui Now.
Who qualifies
The program accepts working refrigerators or freezers that are 14 cubic feet or larger. Sub‑Zero, built‑in, and walk‑in models are not eligible. Rid‑A‑Fridge is open to residential electric customers on Maui, Oʻahu, and Hawaiʻi Island, and applicants will be asked to provide the contract ID listed on their electric bill, according to Hawai‘i Energy.
Donate your rebate - feed your neighbors
Residents who want to turn that rebate into groceries for others can use Section 2 of the rebate form, sign there, and direct the $75 payment to participating local food banks. The donation is tax-deductible. Program partners note that every $1 donated can provide about four full meals, so a $75 rebate can add up to roughly 300 meals for people in need. Those dollars are routed through partners such as The Food Basket and Hawai‘i Foodbank, according to Maui Now.
Quick details
Rid‑A‑Fridge is available while funding lasts, and program haulers handle both the disposal and the required paperwork. For applications, scheduling, and the latest program availability, visit the Rid‑A‑Fridge page at Hawai‘i Energy.
