Don't trash that TV
Starting today, they have to be recycled in Pennsylvania. Ditto NJ, which has had a similar policy for a year.
Don't trash that TV
Sandy Bauers, Inquirer GreenSpace Columnist
As of today -- and none too soon -- Pennsylvania residents will no longer be able to toss their TVs and other electronics into the trash.
Now, the devices have to be recycled. In some communities that have curbside collection of electronics, that will simply mean waiting for the collection date. Other communities have civic groups that host collection events.
For the rest of us, it means schlepping the device to a place that recycles electronics. But, thanks to the law that put all this in motion, those places are growing more numerous. They include not only dedicated electronics recycling centers, such as eForce Compliance in Philadelphia, but also big box stores such as Best Buy.
All of this is due to the Pennsylvania Covered Device Recycling Act, passed in 2010. It applies to computers, laptops, monitors, telvisions, tablets and more.
The idea is not only to reduce the hazardous waste sent to landfills, but also to encourage the reclamation of precious metals and other re-usable substances in the devices.
You can learn more, including locations of collection programs, at this state DEP web page.
Meanwhile, New Jersey, which is a year ahead of Pennsylvania on this score, reports that its legislation has "dramatically" increased the aount of e-waste recycled in the state.
Through the third quarter of 2012, the NJ Department of Environmental Protection reports, more than 62 million pounds of e-waste were diverted from the regular waste stream.
Overall, electronic waste makes up two percent of the solid waste disposed of in New Jersey. But this portion of the waste stream is growing faster than any other. Officials believe it is because electronic techologies are changing so fast, and we all want to get the new stuff.
Click here for more info about New Jersey's program.
How about actually listing the addresses of sites WHERE TV's and appliances can -conveniently- be taken and phone numbers of City, State and Private contractors to collect them for continuing analog use as computer screens, security monitors and even as TV's with digital convertors.— MIchael Wakely
GreenSpace - her column about how to reduce your carbon footprint in everyday life - appears every other Monday in Health & Science. Reach Sandy at sbauers@phillynews.com.
- Former DEP secretary John Hanger
- A daily forecast of water quality in the Schuylkill River
- Academy of Natural Sciences’ Center for Environmental Policy
- All about Philly recycling
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- California’s Beth Terry goes without
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