Households on a pension, veterans, social housing tenants and other low-income families across NSW can again trade in an old top loader for a new energy-efficient washing machine for just $250, with the state government’s popular exchange program reopening for a third round.
The Washing Machine Exchange Program offers eligible households a new 8kg water and energy-efficient front loader in place of their old top loader. The subsidised package includes delivery anywhere in NSW, installation, a two-year warranty and removal of the old machine for recycling, handled by The Good Guys.
Making the switch is expected to save the average household about $300 a year in power, water and detergent costs, and about 20,000 litres of water annually, enough to fill a typical backyard swimming pool.
Since the $11 million program launched, it has helped nearly 12,000 households across NSW upgrade their washing machines, saving an estimated 233 million litres of water, enough to fill 93 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
“Modern front-loading washing machines use significantly less water than older top-loaders, so this program is one of the most effective ways households can cut their water use,” said Ashraf El-Sherbini, Executive Director of Operations Resilience, Water Group at the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.
“When thousands of homes make this small switch, it amounts to millions of litres of water saved across the state, contributing to longer-term water security for NSW.”
Minister for Water Rose Jackson said the program was one of several practical measures the government had introduced to ease cost-of-living pressure.
“This is exactly the kind of practical support that helps people with the cost of living while delivering long-term benefits for NSW,” Minister Jackson said.
“The response to this program has been extraordinary with machines snapped up in next to no time and that’s why we’re back again with another 6000 discounted washing machines.”
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the previous two rounds of the program had proven extremely popular, with all available machines gone within a week both times.
“But I urge people considering the scheme to get in quickly because the last two rounds of the scheme saw all available washing machines snapped up within a week,” Ms Saffin said.
The program forms part of the NSW Water Efficiency Program, which aims to reduce water waste, strengthen water security and cut household costs.
To check eligibility and apply, visit www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/our-work/projects-and-programs/water-efficiency-program/washing-machine-exchange-program.
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