If you can't donate your old television, or if it's broken beyond repair, recycle it. Today there are numerous recycling options for old TV sets. However, not all the television equipment returned for recycling ends up at an appropriately managed facility. (To learn more about this issue, including why it's important to keep TVs out of landfills, visit our section on What you need to know). Here are some tips on choosing a responsible recycler.
To find a responsible TV recycler:
1. Consider a recycler that has signed this pledge. A coalition of environmental groups has recently established a voluntary program known as the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. The recyclers agree not to export hazardous electronic components to developing countries, not to dispose of equipment in municipal landfills or incinerators not equipped to handle it, and not to use prison labor, among other things. The program is relatively new, but the number of companies that have signed on is growing. For a searchable map of recyclers that have signed the pledge, click here.
2. Otherwise, find a recycler using the list of resources below, and ask them these questions.
The following questions and acceptable sample answers were adapted from the Basel Action Network (BAN), an environmental advocacy group.
| |
Q1. Which state or local electronics disposal laws do you comply with? [Acceptable answer would be that they comply with state and local electronics disposal laws; to find out about E-waste legislation in your area, contact your local waste management agency or visit the US Environmental Protection Agency's e-cycling map (scroll down to see state listings)].
Q2. Do you send any electronic waste overseas? If so, where? [Acceptable answer would be that they send it to developed countries including those in the European Union, and to facilities with environmental management systems in place.]
Q3. Where do you send your hazardous waste? [Acceptable answer would be that they send it to a facility that specializes in hazardous waste.]
|
TV recycling resources:
| |
• Local community programs. Some municipalities offer recycling programs that accept electronic waste. To find out whether a program exists in your community, you can contact your local waste management agency, or consult the searchable map on the Electronic Industry Alliance Web site.
• Retailer programs. Some manufacturers have teamed up with retailers like Best Buy and Office Depot to sponsor free, limited-time, in-store collection events. In many cases these services are free, but some retailers may charge fees or accept only certain types or brands of equipment.
• Consider a private recycling firm. You can also take your electronic waste directly to a private recycling company. You can find lists of such companies on the Electronic Industries Alliance Web site (click on your state, then on find reuse and recycle options), as well as at Earth 911. Be sure to contact the recycler, or check for details on its Web site, to find out if it accepts the type of television you want to recycle.
|
|
