Before you trash your old TV set for any reason, consider that many municipalities have banned TVs from landfills.  And for good reason, since your old set contains up to eight pounds of lead, a poison that can cause nervous system damage. Lead is there to protect you from radiation while it’s still in your TV, but when the TV is crushed in the garbage truck and then in the landfill, bad news: that lead is going to leach out. And that’s not all – electronic circuit boards, batteries, and color cathode ray tubes (CRTs) can contain additional hazardous materials such as, mercury and hexavalent chromium. If improperly handled or disposed, these toxins can be released into the environment through landfill leachate or incinerator ash.

Unfortunately, you can’t just drop off the TV at the local thrift store or recycling center and call it a day. Many charities don’t accept used TVs anymore since the cost of disposing of broken sets is too high to offset the money they could make by selling working ones.

The Bad News 

Albuquerque’s Electronic Waste Recycling Pilot Program does not accept TVs!!!

The Good News

We do have other options!

·    Reuse!  If your set is so new and/or loved it just breaks your heart to recycle it, check with a few local charities before you just drop it off. The Earth 911 and Electronic Industries Alliance searches include some nonprofits that accept used working TVs, but if you can’t find any in your area, try calling local thrift stores to ask if they’ll take your set or know who will.

·    Recycle!  Ready to let your set go on to its next life?

o        For local folks, you can 311 – Albuquerque’s Solid Waste Management Department says that you can call to schedule a “Large Item Pickup” and they will take your old TV set away and, they claim, recycle it.  At this writing, I was unable gain confirmation as  what they actually do with the equipment, but I hope to have an update on that soon.  But that is certainly a quick and easy option!

o        Anyone can search through Earth 911’s database of recycling, disposal, and donation alternatives. Just enter your ZIP code and get a list of options instantly. There are several for ABQ!  Need more? Look through the Electronic Industries Alliance list of state-by-state e-cycling resources.

o        Some retailers and manufacturers, like Best Buy and Sony, offer recycling programs. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of participating e-cycling companies to find out what’s available in your area.

If you do choose to recycle, just make sure you’re dealing with a reputable company.  Some unethical recycling firms charge substantial fees to recycle old sets and then just ship the old TVs overseas, where they become HUGE polluters.  Even non-functioning sets will be sold to impoverished families who disassemble the sets, and burn the wiring or other components in order to obtain the lead or copper, which they then resell.  But the fumes are incredibly toxic, and often, families are using the same cast iron pot to “home-smelt” as they are to cook their dinner.    The NIMBY (not in my backyard) philosophy just doesn’t work anymore.

How to navigate all this?  For starters, find out if they’ve signed the Electronics Recycler’s Pledge of True Stewardship. The Electronics Industries Alliance has also compiled a list of questions you can ask to ensure your old television is handled responsibly.