Or does he?

The shocking price rises of electricity last November prompted Wyong Shire Council to create a novel beer fridge buy back scheme and last week Wyong mayor Bob Graham said the program has come to a head with 300 residents downing their old energy guzzling fridges.

"More than 300 Wyong Shire residents have already participated in the Fridge Buyback Program since we started it, a fantastic community response that highlights growing awareness of both rising energy costs and greenhouse gas issues," Mayor Graham said.

"That's an estimated saving of over 2,000 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions and more than $60,000 a year off resident's power bills."

He said old fridges are one of the biggest energy users in the home, costing residents an average of $210 a year to operate.

Their use also results in a tonne of greenhouse gases being released every year.

To participate , residents must own a working second fridge that has been in regular use, is 250 litres or more in size and is at least 10 years old.

A council spokesperson said the Fridge Buyback scheme is supported by the NSW Government's Climate Change Fund and is part of the program's rebates structure.

The Wyong scheme provides for a free collection of the fridge by professional removalists plus a $35 rebate if the removal of the fridge involves six steps (stairs not paces).

"The fridge is collected for free if there are between seven or 20 steps but no rebate is available. A fee will apply only if the property has more than 20 steps," the spokesperson said.

Call 1800 708 401 or visit www.fridgebuyback.com.au.

Colle cted fridges are professionally degassed and the metals recycled.