In this Issue:
- Digital TV Transition
- Proper CFL Disposal
- Tap into Water Week
- DEQ Reduces Drive Alone Rate
- Calendar of Events
Newsletter Links:
Sponsored by the
Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
In this Issue:
Newsletter Links:
Sponsored by the
Utah Department of
Environmental Quality
As the nation switches to Digital TV in February 2009, there’s a growing concern among many that millions of old analog TVs could end up in the trash.
“Recycling is the best option,” said Rusty Lundberg, branch manager with the Division of Solid and Hazardous Waste. “But unfortunately the options here in Utah are limited.”
Consumers can either ship their old television sets or other electronics to the manufacturer, many of which have an ‘Electronics Take Back’ program that usually requires you to pay the cost of shipping or take it to one of three Utah companies that will recycle it for a price: GRX Recycling in Clearfield, Stone Castle Recycling in Ogden and SFI Computer Recycling in Spring City.
The least desired option, said Lundberg, is the landfill. “TVs contain toxic components such as lead, cadmium and mercury.” The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that each cathode ray tube television, most of which are analog, contains 4 to 8 pounds of lead.
Brad Mertz, director of Recycling Coalition of Utah, admits there are few options locally. “I think it will be a concern,” he said. “But we want to continue to work with agencies, such as the Department of Environmental Quality to provide periodic free drop off locations for locals.” Last fall, DEQ and RCU sponsored a free drop off day that DEQ paid to have it recycled.
There’s always the chance that people with analog televisions – the old TVs that work on antennas – will purchase a converter box. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration is offering $40 coupons that can be used to purchase converter boxes but consumer must use them within 90 days of receipt. For more information on the coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov. Those who currently own a TV with a digital tuner or subscribe to a satellite or cable TV service are not affected by next year’s transition. More information can also be obtained at www.dtv.gov.
Lundberg predicts that many people will simply go and buy a new TV. “This holiday shopping season could see a rush on new TVs,” he said. And that could potentially mean that unwanted TVs will end up in the trash.
On Feb. 17, 2009, all U.S. television stations will cease their analog broadcasts in favor of a digital signal in order to provide a clearer picture and free up the airwaves for emergency responders.
Some manufacturers have pledged to take back old televisions for free and recycle them. Sony Inc. has partnered with Waste Management to establish collection sites in many states, including Utah. Some electronic outlets like Staples will take old computer monitors no matter what brand.
Other states, such as Washington, have passed producer responsibility laws requiring companies to subsidize the collection and recycling of TV sets, while other states are considering such laws.
The Utah Legislature has considered various bills that range from banning e-waste in landfills by 2007 to simply providing public information about the issue – all without success of passage.
Lundberg, however, is hopeful that the growing awareness of e-waste will prompt more meaningful solutions. “I think many manufacturers are trying to design their electronics to be more recycle friendly that allows them to be dismantled much easier,” he said. “European nations have strong requirements on the amount of toxic components that are in electronics prompting many manufacturers to design electronics with less toxic components.”