The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
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Think about protecting environment in switch to digital TV

With the upcoming digital conversion, there's plenty of reason for people to buy a new set. But what to do with the old one that won't damage the environment or tax our already filling landfills? (Metrocreative)
The switch to digital TV broadcasting is coming in February 2009. For most people, that will NOT mean having to purchase a new TV set. If you do get a new television, however, the Washington Department of Ecology encourages you to protect the environment and the public’s health by donating or reusing your old set, or safely recycling it. If digital conversion is the reason to get that high-tech, HDTV or plasma screen you’ve always been wanting, please think about the fate of the old TV you now consider a ‘has-been.’ Electronic products contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals. For example, a TV’s cathode ray picture tube contains about four to eight pounds of lead. Making sure electronics like televisions don’t end up in the garbage, in landfills and ultimately in the environment is one way to protect people and the environment from the serious health effects of toxic chemicals. If your old TV is working and in good condition, someone else may be able to use it. There are several ways to pass on electronic items for reuse: • Contact charities or non-profits in your area to see if they would be able to use or resell your computer or TV. • Call your local solid waste or public works office to find out what options are available in your community for donating or reuse. • Sell your item through local classifieds or use an online website. If the old TV is just too old for reuse, then plan to recycle it responsibly. Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Washington residents can recycle TVs and computers for free all across the state through the new E-Cycle Washington program. Under the program, electronics manufacturers will pay for recycling TVs, computers, monitors, and laptops. The law allows households, schools, small businesses, small governments, special-purpose districts, and non-profits to drop off electronics for recycling at one of more than 200 collection sites. There will be no need to rush to collection sites on Jan. 2. E-Cycle Washington is a permanent recycling collection program. It will be operating throughout 2009 and beyond.