Don’t Throw Away Your Television
This article was originally written in April, 2007. Read our updated articles for more relevant, timely information on this subject:
- When to Replace Your Outdated Device
- Ask the Experts: Electronics Recycling, Energy
- Study Claims TVs Are Bigger, Better and Efficient
Our growing dependence on electronics products both at home and in the workplace has given rise to a new environmental challenge: Electronic waste (e-waste). The U.S. EPA recently announced a 30 percent increase in electronics recycling through its Plug-In to eCycling program, with more than 66.5 million pounds of used electronics recycled in 2008.
Research indicates that e-waste is growing at three times the rate of other municipal waste. For example, in 2005 an estimated 26 to 37 million computers became obsolete and about 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled, according to the EPA.
Our TVs are part of this growing e-waste problem. Electronic circuit boards, batteries and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain hazardous materials such as lead, mercury and hexavalent chromium. If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins can be released into the environment through landfill leachate or incinerator ash.
Responsible recycling of your TV will help mediate the risks of disposing of this common household electronic device. In fact, in just one year, more than 112 million pounds of valuable materials were recovered from disposed electronics, such as steel, glass, plastic and precious metals.
Don’t throw away your television, recycle it! Use Earth911.com recycling database to find a location near you.
- "FACT SHEET: MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC WASTE IN THE UNITED STATES" U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2008 http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/docs/fact7-08.pdf.



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