Recycle those old TVs

Recycle those old TVs

By Florida Department of Environmental Protection
May 6, 2008

--Recycling electronics protects our environment, reduces waste in landfills--

TALLAHASSEE – In preparation for the digital TV transition in 2009, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has produced an interactive web-based map that enables citizens to find out where to recycle old televisions. With the digital conversion just months away, DEP expects many unwanted analog televisions to be recycled as new digital televisions are purchased.

“Recycling your television, instead of throwing it away makes a lot of sense. It keeps waste out of landfills, and allows the recovery of electronic components that contain lead and other toxic materials,” said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs Mimi Drew. “Conservation, reuse and recycling of all resources and wastes should be a key component of our lifestyles.”

Some electronics recyclers estimate that as many as one in four households may discard at least one television as a result of the digital conversion. If that happens, Florida could see almost two million televisions recycled in the next few years.

The interactive map feature allows Floridians to identify where to recycle electronics with just one click. DEP’s electronics recycling website also links to a frequently asked questions page that explains what the television broadcast signal conversion is, how to tell whether your television is “digital-ready” and how to get a $40 coupon towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box.

As the result of a recent federal law, all television broadcast signals in the U. S. after February 17, 2009, must be in a digital format. Any television that uses cable or satellite is already able to receive the new digital format signal (digital-ready). Older televisions that use “rabbit ears” or a roof top antenna can only receive the old analog format signal and might not be able to view digital television programming. Owners of older units must either purchase a new television with a digital tuner or a digital-to-analog converter box that allows older television sets to receive the new digital format signal.

If purchasing a new television, DEP encourages consumers to consider buying one that conserves energy. ENERGY STAR qualified televisions use about 30 percent less electricity than standard units, saving both energy and money on utility bills. For more information on ENERGY STAR televisions, visit www.energystar.gov/.

To use DEP’s interactive electronics recycling map, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/pages/televisions.htm For more information on recycling electronics, visit: www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/default.htm.