CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Duke Energy has a program called the Appliance Recycling Program that recycles old appliances, and in exchange, the energy company will pay $50 to the person who recycles the appliance.
Charlotte residents Lawrence and Mia Burke parted with their 10-year-old refrigerator and got their check for $50. The check bounced.
"It never crossed my mind because when I got the check, I went straight to the bank and cashed it, you know," Lawrence Burke said. "It wasn't even an option. (It was) Duke (Energy)."
The couple's bank also added a fee, so instead of making money, they had to pay $15.
"I was really upset and I was disappointed," Lawrence Burke said.
Action 9 learned that Duke Energy outsourced the program to a third party, Jaco Environmental, which recently closed.
Duke Energy officials said it closed unexpectedly, that 4,000 customers in six states are caught in the middle and that Duke Energy apologizes "for the negative experience and inconvenience this issue has caused."
Duke Energy also said it's working with customers to make things right. If you're expecting a check or got one that bounced, email Duke Energy right away at arp@duke-energy.com.
Duke Energy officials have not made a decision about the future of the recycling program.
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