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Wanted: Ohio's oldest functioning refrigerator or freezer

Mark Heyne, WVXU News

So you've got a refrigerator you suspect Methuselah might have used at some point in his life?  Then utilities across the state of Ohio, including Duke, want to hear from you.  

They've kicked off Ohio's Oldest Refrigerator contest and say they'll pay a $1,250 prize for the state's most ancient fridge or freezer.

To enter, Duke energy customers have to schedule a free at-home pickup to have their refrigerator or freezer recycled by calling 855-398-6200 or visiting duke-energy.com/recyclenow through July 31.  They have to be in working order and meet a minimum size requirement.  (Duke says standard size kitchen units usually qualify.)

The winning Duke Energy customer receives $250 and goes on to compete for the title of "Ohio's Oldest Refrigerator" and another $1,000 award.  The winner will be announced in August.  

As a bonus, Duke points out that recycling the old unit will save you money.  Refrigerators made before 1990 can use three times more electricity than newer ones.  And any customer who uses Duke's recycling program through the end of the year earns a $30 incentive.