Television Recycling Media Kit

Introduction

Beginning February 17, 2009, some broadcast television stations may stop broadcasting in an analog format and begin broadcasting only in a digital format. Remaining stations may switch formats between March 14 and June 17, 2009. Check with your local stations to confirm when they will make the transition. June 12 will be the final deadline for terminating analog broadcasts. This is a delay from the original Feb. 17 deadline, to allow households more time to purchase converter boxes or make other arrangements to avoid losing their TV signals.

Although it is not necessary to purchase a new TV to receive digital signals, many consumers are expected to do so, leaving many TVs to be disposed of. This page provides information on why consumers should recycle their old, unused TVs, as well as fast facts, photos, and resources to locate recyclers.

Below is a quick guide for what to do with your TV, whether you receive service through a cable or satellite provider or you currently receive signals over the air via an antenna.

If you currently receive television service through a cable or satellite provider…
You do not need to do anything. You will continue to receive television service through your provider.

If you currently receive television service through a roof or "rabbit ears" antenna…
If you are happy with your current TV, you only need to purchase a digital converter box to continue receiving television signals. Convertor boxes generally cost $40-$80. The federal government is providing coupons for $40 off of up to two convertor boxes per household. This program has currently reached its funding ceiling. Coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring coupons.

If you plan to purchase a new television with a built-in digital tuner…
Recycle your old television. Recycling preserves important renewable natural resources and keeps harmful chemicals out of the environment.

If your TV is still in good working condition, you can also consider donating it to charity (contact the charity first) or selling it for a nominal fee on commercial or municipal resale sites.

Fast Facts

Statistics

According to a 2006 DNR survey, nearly every household in Wisconsin has at least one television set. The average household has three. All sets currently using antennae (either roof or rabbit ears) to receive signals will need to be upgraded with digital converter boxes or replaced with newer TVs to continue receiving service.

A 2006 DNR survey found that, of those who had disposed of a TV in the past year, 12 percent recycled it, 28 percent put it in the trash, 30 percent gave it to friends or charity, and 11 percent sold it.

In 2005, used or unwanted electronics amounted to approximately 1.9 to 2.2 million tons nationwide. Of that amount, only about 345,000-379,000 tons were recycled. (Source: EPA)

In 2007, Americans threw away about 2.5 million tons of electronics, including TVs, computers, printers, scanners, faxes, keyboards, and cell phones. In the same year, 20.6 million individual TVs were discarded, with about 18 percent (414,000 tons) of those recycled. The rest were landfilled, incinerated, or stored for later disposal. (Source: EPA)

Consumer electronics-including TVs and other video equipment, computers, assorted peripherals, audio equipment, and phones-make up almost two percent of the municipal solid waste stream. (Source: EPA Municipal Solid Waste Characterization Report).

Why Recycle?

Televisions and other electronics contain valuable, reusable materials. Plastics, glass, scrap metal (including copper and gold), and many other materials can be extracted from old TVs and used to make new products.

Televisions contain harmful materials, including lead, chromium, mercury, and polybrominated flame retardants. If landfilled or incinerated, these chemicals can be released into groundwater, surface water, or the air where they pose a risk to human and environmental health.

Wisconsin law requires businesses and institutions to recycle discarded electronics or handle them as a hazardous waste.

Although private citizens are not legally required to recycle electronics, many want to recycle to preserve natural resources and keep the environment clean.

Where Can I Recycle?

Many electronics manufacturers and retailers sponsor take-back or trade-in programs to recycle televisions and other electronics. See Additional Resources tab above for information on how to find recyclers and take-back programs in your area.

You may have to pay a small fee to recycle your old TV. This helps cover the cost of recycling the leaded glass and other hazardous components inside.

Consumers should check with their municipal recycling programs to see if there are local restrictions.

What Else Should I Know?

When purchasing a new digital TV, DVD player, or other electronic device, look for the Energy Star rating.

Quick Quotes

"If you bought a new TV to receive digital signals, it's a great time to clean out any old TVs, VCRs and other equipment you no longer use and recycle them."

"If you're happy with your current analog TV, there are many ways you can keep using it. If you don't have cable or satellite TV, you can get a government coupon for a small, cheap converter box that will work with your old TV and give you more channels than your existing analog stations."

"Recycling electronics helps both the environment and the economy. It prevents pollution, saves valuable resources and creates jobs."

"We are seeing more and more options for recycling TVs and other electronics. Check with the store where you bought your new TV to see if they will take your old one for recycling. You can also ask your local recycling officials whether there will be any special collections in your area. Several communities in Wisconsin have permanent drop-off sites for recycling electronics."

All quotes Sarah Murray, Interim Recycling Coordinator, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

Finding Recyclers

Where Can I Find Recyclers in My Area?

Many major manufacturers and retailers sponsor take-back or trade-in programs for used electronics. Contact your manufacturer or local stores for details. See suggestions below to find recycling centers or take-back events in your community.

• Contact your municipal recycling program to find out if they provide for collection of TVs. (Contact your DNR regional recycling staff if you need help finding information on your local recycling program.) Many county Web sites (exit DNR) also contain information on recycling.
• Find a recycler in your area by searching the Wisconsin Recycling Markets Directory under electronics, then select "televisions." (Note the DNR does not endorse these recyclers for environmental compliance).
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a page with information and links to find electronics recyclers (exit DNR).
• MyGreenElectronics (exit DNR) is a site from the Consumer Electronics Association that allows consumers to search for electronics recyclers by location and product type.
• Earth911 (exit DNR) has resources for electronics recycling, including a search function that lets you find recyclers in your area.
• If your TV is still in good working condition, you can also consider donating it to charity (contact the charity first) or selling it for a nominal fee on commercial or municipal resale sites. Some communities also sponsor online exchange or resale services. Contact your local officials for more information.

Photos

Thumbnails link to larger images.

These nine images available as high resolution files: highres.zip [WinZip 13.8MB]

Additional Resources

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Information on the Digital Transition

For additional information on the anticipated June 2009 switch to digital television, see DNR Web site.

For information on all kinds of e-waste, including computers, TVs, and cell phones, see the DNR e-waste pages.

See the DNR's Issues to Consider for Used Electronics Recycling or Reuse for guidance on what to do with your old electronics and how to determine whether to recycle or reuse them.

To ensure your electronics will be properly recycled, consult our Key Questions to Ask Electronics Recyclers [PDF 26Kb].

For More Information

The Digital TV Switchover, sponsored by Wisconsin Public Television, provides additional media on the DTV Transition, as well as troubleshooting on how to set up digital convertor boxes and receive digital signals.

Countdown to the DTV Transition (exit DNR), sponsored by the Federal Communications Commission, contains information geared to consumers, government agencies, community groups, and the press. It also has information in Spanish.

Digital Television Transition and Public Safety (exit DNR), sponsored by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration. This federal agency is in charge of the program that will allow U.S. households to obtain two free coupons worth $40 each toward the purchase of specific converter boxes allowing analog televisions to display digital transmissions. This program has currently reached its funding ceiling. However, coupon requests from eligible households will be filled on a first-come-first-served basis as funds become available from expiring coupons. Online informational brochures are available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese.

DTV Transition (exit DNR), sponsored by the DTV Transition Coalition, contains information about the transition as well as instructions for setting up a converter box.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (exit DNR) has information about the transition, TV recycling, and finding energy-efficient TVs if you choose to purchase new equipment.

DTV Answers (exit DNR) sponsored by the National Association of Broadcasters, provides information about the switch to DTV and has a short video about the transition.

Energy Star provides recommendations on energy efficient TVs, DVD players, digital converter boxes, and more.