China plans to expand its home appliances replacement project to further stimulate its economy, following its initial pilot program in nine cities.

The extended program covers not only the purchase of new equipment, but also the recycling of old appliances and electronics like computers. Provinces willing and able to recycle old equipment can apply to the program, said Jiang Zengwei, vice-Minister of Commerce, at a Friday meeting held by the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

By February 4, the nine pilot cities had recycled 6.42 million old home appliances, sold 5.87 million new units, and scrapped 3.12 million units. Sales income generated by the program reached 23.2 billion yuan ($3.40 billion), accounting for one third of income from color TVs, refrigerators, washing machines, air-conditioners and computers in total, said the MOFCOM.

"Home appliance replacement has played an active role in confronting the financial crisis and expanding domestic demand," Jiang said, adding 6 million families have received 2.28 billion yuan ($333.96 million) in subsidies.