The so-called “Cash for Kitchen Clunkers” or "Cash for Appliances" program, which is set to start in November, is still very confusing for most. The reason: unlike the "Cash for Clunkers" program which ran for cars, rules will be set by states, and not much has been said about those rules yet.
The "Cash for Appliances" program has the same purpose as the "Cash for Clunkers" program: to get old energy-hogging stuff out of the public's hands. Of course, additionally, just as with "Cash for Clunkers," it will also work as a sort of stimulus.
"Cash for Appliances" will not require the appliances you replace to be junked. You'll recall that the "Cash for Clunkers" programs required the cars traded in to be destroyed.
Still, if you're looking to replace your refrigerator, air conditioner or washing machine, you might want to wait until November when the program rolls out across country. The program will provide $300 million in federal funds to encourage consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances (and stimulate the economy).
Part of the reason for the delay in details on the program is that states have until mid-October to develop their own "Cash for Appliances" plans for how the rebate programs will work, what appliances will be included, how much will be paid out, and how to dispose of the rejects.
As I said, there is no recycling requirement, but the Department of Energy is "encouraging" states and territories to include appliance-recycling programs along with the rebate programs. More details will come in October.
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