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News Release
For release: March 18, 2008 Contacts: Don’t Toss that TV! DEQ urges consumers to keep or properly recycle their TVs in midst of upcoming digital broadcasting switch The switch to digital-only broadcasting is coming in February 2009, and solid waste specialists at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) are urging Oregonians to either hold onto or properly recycle their old televisions to reduce the amount of electronics waste going into the state’s waste stream.
“Don’t toss that TV! Many people may be thinking about discarding their TVs because of the switch when they really don’t have to,” said Kathy Kiwala, who manages DEQ’s Electronics (E-Waste) Recycling Program. “Keeping your existing TV is the best option, both environmentally and financially.”
The federal government is requiring all U.S. television stations to switch from analog to digital-only broadcasting by Feb. 17, 2009. The switch will free up airwaves for public safety communications and wireless services, and provide better picture quality and sound.
Many people may be under the mistaken impression that they need to get a new television with the switch, Kiwala said. “In fact, you do not need to purchase a new TV to receive programming after the switch. You may, however, need to take some simple steps to ensure continued service,” she said. “What you need to do depends on the source of your programming (free broadcasting, cable or satellite service) and the type of TV you have (analog or digital).”
A simple one-time purchase of a converter box (for analog TVs using an antenna) or a cable or satellite subscription (for analog or digital TVs) will allow you to receive digital broadcasting with your existing TV.
Persons who do choose to purchase a new digital TV and have an existing TV in working condition have several options: · Keep the old TV as a second TV for games, videos or DVDs · Give the old TV to a friend or donate it to a second-hand store
If your old TV is no longer working, Kiwala said, bring it to a recycler. TVs and other consumer electronics contain materials that can be reclaimed and used again. They also contain toxic components, which a responsible recycler can safely dispose of. To locate a recycler near you, see DEQ’s E-waste Web site at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/ewaste/resources.htm.
Starting Jan. 1, 2009 Oregonians will be able to recycle their old TVs (as well as desktop computers, portable computers and monitors) for free through the DEQ-administered Oregon Electronics Recycling Program. This program will provide convenient, free electronics recycling in every county, including at least one collection site in every city with a population of 10,000 or more. For more information on the program, see DEQ’s Web site at: http://www.deq.state.or.us/lq/electronics.htm.
Until March 31, 2009, households can request up to two $40 coupons from the federal government toward the purchase of eligible converter boxes, which cost between $50 and $70. Converter boxes are available at consumer electronics retailers nationwide. To request coupons and view a list of participating retailers, visit the TV Converter Box Coupon Program Web site: http://www.dtv2009.gov. |
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