Missourians Urged to Recycle Older TV Sets in Preparation for Switch to Digital

First posted on 12-03-2008

With the Feb. 17 switch from analog to digital broadcasting for televisions approaching, many Missourians might be treating themselves or someone else to a new television this holiday season.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources, through e-cycle Missouri, is working to remind Missouri consumers there are environmentally friendly options available to recycle, instead of throw away, an old television.

Many different components make up a television set. Some of these parts have the potential to harm the environment if improperly disposed. Up to four pounds of lead can be found within some televisions. Other materials that can be found include chromium, cadmium, mercury, beryllium, nickel, zinc and brominated flame retardants.

A legitimate electronics recycler can remove potentially hazardous materials from inside a television. Doing so will not only help prevent those materials from accidentally being exposed to the environment but also means the materials can be reused to make new products. By recovering and reusing these materials, the need to mine for new raw materials is reduced. Besides being possibly disruptive to the environment, mining requires large amounts of energy.

Visit http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/computerlist.htm for a list of electronic recyclers across Missouri and to determine which e-cycler would work best for you. The electronic recyclers list contains only businesses that have registered with the department and have been verified by the department to be legitimate electronics recyclers. The list also contains information and phone numbers for the recycling businesses, so you can call ahead to make sure your television will be accepted.

You can also visit http://www.ecyclemo.org for a list of recycling events held across Missouri. This Web page is updated as event information is received, so be sure to check back often.

Your television might not even be affected at all by the switch to digital. Only analog televisions that are hooked up to an antenna or rabbit ears will stop receiving signals. Any television that is connected to cable, satellite or other pay TV service will continue operating as usual after Feb. 9. You can update an older television to receive digital broadcasts by attaching a digital convertor box. Converter boxes connect to your television in much the same way a VCR does and allow the antennae to receive the digital transmission. Coupons to cover most, if not all, of the cost of a digital convertor box are available online at http://www.dtv2009.gov.

Just because a television will stop receiving analog signals, does not mean everything will stop working. You can still connect your gaming systems, VCRs or DVD players to the television. Also, schools, nursing homes or other organization might have a need for a television to watch movies or even training videos.

For more information on e-scrap waste, visit the department’s Web site at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/hwp/enf/electronics.htm or visit the e-cycle Missouri Web site at http://www.ecyclemo.com or call 800-361-4827.