How to Recycle Your Analog Television after the Digital Switchover

Member

By Clarissa Hulsey
User-Submitted Article

Article Rating: (7 Ratings)

Analog Television Heading for Recycling

On February 17th you may find yourself scratching your head wondering what to do with your outdated analog television when many city landfills have banned them and many recycling centers will not accept them. Electronics, especially old analog televisions, are tricky to handle. They leach lead (cathode ray tubes have 4-8 pounds of lead),flame retardants, mercury and other heavy metals that will pollute the environment. Whatever you do, don't throw away your television. With the switchover slated for February 17 there will be a gluttony of analog televisions that need to be disposed of properly. Here are a few places to search for recycling centers that will take it off of your hands.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

A little patience

Step 1

No TV's in landfills

You can began your search at the Electronic Industries Alliance site or the Earth911 site (both listed below) for recycling centers that accept televisions in your area. Both sites offer searches based on state and/or zip code.
Step 2

The Earth911 site is very detailed and lists even smaller centers like the few Goodwills or local thrift stores that will accept electronics.
Step 3

Make sure that with any private recycling center that they are following ethical recycling practices by signing the Electronics Recycler's Pledge of True Stewardship. This states that they will not simply ship the waste overseas or dispose of it in landfills or incinerate it. Check the list of those who have signed the pledge below.
Step 4

The Environmental Protection Agency has a site, Plug-In to eCycling, that offers basic recycling information and links to recycling programs. That link is listed below.
Step 5

Best Buy is offering Weekend Recycling programs in their parking lots as well as removing old televisions from homes when new televisions are purchased from them. Use the link below to get to the correct page for their recycling program since it can be a little difficult to find otherwise.
Step 6

Some cities are offering drop off locations and collection days for televisions. If you currently have curbside recycling maintained by your utilities company call and find out what they are offering.
Step 7

A few manufacturers are accepting old televisions when purchasing a new one from them. In many states it is becoming a requirement that manufacturers are responsible for the full life cycle of their product.
Step 8

If it is difficult for you to get out or to put a television into the car some Goodwill and Salvation Army programs will pick up at your home. Otherwise you might consider listing it on craigslist or enlisting a neighbor to take your television along with theirs.