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green house
By JEFFREY JACOBY
On the Flip Side of the DTV Switch
On Feb. 17, unless the U.S. Congress finds some way to extend the
deadline, Americans will witness the largest government-mandated
obsolescence in U.S. history: the transition to digital television (DTV).
Whether the switch happens this month or later this year, it will eventually
happen. And despite the claims of the Federal Communications
Commission, it’s not as easy as 1-2-3. Millions of Americans who do
not use cable or satellite and don’t have a digital-ready TV will see
nothing more than static on their screens without a converter box.
While picture quality will improve dramatically and channel selection
will multiply exponentially following the digital switch, as many as 20
to 80 million televisions could wind up in landfills across the country,
creating a potential avalanche of toxic e-waste. According to an
Environmental Protection Agency estimate, 99 million televisions
currently sit in storage in American households, one of which may
be yours.
Electronics contain an array of toxic materials, including 4 to
8 pounds of lead in tube-style TVs or monitors, mercury bulbs in flat
screens and PCB-like fire retardants covering the plastics, just to name
a few. In fact, discarded electronics account for 40 percent of the lead
and 70 percent of the heavy metals in U.S. landfills. So, on the flip side
of the switch, environmental quality could suffer dramatically as
trashed TVs multiply exponentially — unless legislators, companies
and consumers take action now.
WHERE WILL ALL THE TVS GO?
Some programs designed to deal with the deluge of old TVs already
exist. Many local governments offer drop-off locations for e-waste recycling,
some partner with retailers or resale shops such as Goodwill, and
still others hold semi-annual collection events. However, these taxpayerfunded
e-waste recycling programs often strain the local budget and
reach only a small segment of residents in a geographically limited area.
house& home | February 2009 | house andhomeonline.com
Alternatively, “producer takeback
recycling” initiatives, in which
producers rather than government
agencies are responsible for end-of-life
recycling, span a much wider range
and provide electronics manufacturers
with a bottom-line economic incentive
to redesign their products with the
environment in mind. When a
manufacturer takes back its obsolete
electronics, it begins to make products
with fewer toxins that can be recycled
more efficiently. Such a system works
to minimize costs associated with
unsustainable product design. Via
e-cycling, the need to mine virgin raw
materials is reduced and harmful
chemicals and heavy metals are
diverted from the waste stream.
WHAT TO DO WITH THAT OLD TV?
Here in Texas, responsible recycling options are available, but scarce.
On Sept. 1, 2008, Texas became the fourth state to pass producer
takeback recycling legislation; however, the law covers only computers
and laptops — no TVs. The Texas Legislature will consider adding
televisions during the 2009 session. If you are concerned about the fate
of obsolete TVs and their millions of tons of toxins, urge your state
legislators to support adding TVs to the Computer TakeBack Law.
Among TV-makers, Sony, LG/Zenith, Samsung, Panasonic, Sharp
and Toshiba now offer free nationwide recycling for obsolete TVs and
other electronics. In addition, Wal-Mart has partnered with Samsung to
recycle the Wal-Mart house brands Durabrand and Ilo. If you have an
old TV made by one of these producers, go to www.TexasTake
Back.com to find out your options. Best Buy is launching a national
recycling program on Feb. 15. All its U.S. stores will accept most
consumer electronics, including televisions and monitors up to
32 inches, computer CPUs and notebooks and small electronics and
accessories. Best Buy requires a $10 fee to recycle items with screens,
like TVs, but issues a $10 gift card with the fee. Other e-cyclers in
Houston are working with Sony, LG, Zenith, Samsung and Goldstar,
which have committed to no export of e-waste. They may charge a fee
for recycling so call them before taking your TV: Compu-Cycle,
713.869.6700 and ECO-Houston, 1.607.321.2079, ext. 326.
As the digital switch rapidly approaches, many cities have teamed
up with e-cyclers for one- or two-day collection events. Check your
city’s Web site for more information. Ask if they’re using a responsible
recycler because frequently local governments will sign contracts with
the company offering the lowest price, which often means the toxic
materials are being dumped on developing countries.
Jeffrey Jacoby is program director for Texas Campaign for the Environment.
Visit www.texasenvironment.org for more information.