Hebei Ministry of Commerce made an announcement that Hebei province will start a home appliance replacement?program on July 23, 2010. Consumers can exchange old home appliances for new ones at over 10,000 outlets.

The program covers not only the purchase of new equipment, but also the recycling of old appliances, such as computers.

Under the program, consumers can get maximum subsidies of 400 yuan ($58.59) for TVs and computers, 350 yuan for air conditioners, 300 yuan for refrigerators, and 250 yuan? for washing machines.

Officers from Hebei Ministry of Commerce said that they have collaborated with many related departments like the finance department and the environment protection department in order to ensure the implementation of this?program while also protecting consumers' rights.

By Ren Ruqin