You might not have cashed in on last summer’s Cash for Clunkers program, but the federal government is giving another chance to say out with the old and in with the new, while saving the environment.

Cash for Clunkers, which was highly successful, promoted getting rid of older gas-guzzlers, and subsidized the cost of new fuel-efficient vehicles. Similarly, the Cash for Appliance program encourages people to get rid of their old appliances and replace them with energy-efficient ones, as well as encourage recycling.

While the program differs from state to state, Florida and Georgia are offering discounts on certain items that meet the Energy-Star ratings.

Not only will Florida consumers get 20 percent discount on six types of Energy-Star rated appliances – tank-less water heaters, room air conditioners, washing machines, refrigerators, dish washers, and freezers – there is also a $75 bonus to ensure that buyers recycle their old energy inefficient appliances they replace.

The bonus, according to program coordinator, Brenda Buchan, is to encourage people to properly dispose of their old appliances rather than keeping them. She said, “We are trying to encourage energy efficiency, water conservation and recycling.” She added that they set the amount large enough to ensure that consumers don’t leave money on the table.

But don’t think word-of-mouth will ensure that you get the extra $75. Consumers will have to show proof in form of a receipt from a store or certified disposal facility or landfill.

So, if you’re getting a new washing machine, dishwasher, tank-less water heater, the discount is available, but you would have to make your purchase within the 10-day window from April 16-25, coinciding with the state’s Earth Day activities, to take advantage of the discount.

Florida received $17.6 million, the fourth highest, in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding for the program.