by Beth Buczynski

Cash for Clunkers, the casual name for the government rebate program that paid thousands of drivers to swap their gas guzzlers for newer, more efficient models, was wildly successful, leaving many people shocked when they learned the program was over before the had a chance to take advantage of it.

The good news is that we’ve seen several reincarnations of the program, the latest of which is designed to motivate people to trade in their inefficient household appliances for models bearing the EnergyStar label of approval.

Unlike Cash for Clunkers, in which cloudy details about how to qualify and infrastructure problems caused some disgruntled consumers, manufacturers in the Cash for Appliances program are taking setting up an online infrastructure that will make it easier for consumers to apply for rebates.

Environmental Leader reports that “the federal government is kicking in $300 million for states to disburse as part of the energy efficiency upgrade program, which came about after the Cash for Clunkers car rebate program,” and all major appliance manufacturers are hoping to reap the benefits of an expected spike in purchases.

According to EnergyStar.gov, all 50 States, Washington DC, and 5 US territories will have an appliance rebate program, although specific details of the program and the amount of money available for rebates might vary in each state. Consumers interested in taking advantage of the program in their area are encouraged to view the interactive map of states and territories with approved programs at EnergySavers.gov.

Whirlpool Corporation recently launched an easy-to-use rebate finder tool on three of its brand Web sites – Whirlpool, Maytag and KitchenAid brands, according to a recent press release. By entering a local zip code and appliance type, the online tool instantly informs the consumer of the amount of applicable state rebates through the federal program. Additionally, the rebate finder will provide information on rebates from a consumer’s local utility company if available.

A general Web site, EcoRebates, has also sprung up to help consumers find rebates and connect with local participating appliance dealers.

Besides making better use of the internet, many consumers and manufacturers are relieve to hear that this program won’t require the trade in of a old appliance; however, this raises interesting questions about whether or not consumers will be able to properly dispose of this electronic waste, which is classified by the EPA as hazardous.

Reprinted with permission from Earth & Industry