ADEQ urges recycling of old analog TV sets
Recycling encouraged as transition to digital approaches June 12

PHOENIX, Ariz. - Arizona Department of Environmental Quality officials are urging all owners of old analog television sets to recycle them rather than tossing them in the trash as the June 12 deadline to digital TV rapidly approaches.

Thousands of old TV sets from throughout the state are expected to be discarded after the transition from analog to all-digital TV. People with analog TVs must connect to a digital converter box or a subscription service such as cable or satellite TV to get reception after June 12.

Discarded televisions present environmental and health hazards and may be considered hazardous waste. Each cathode ray picture tube releases an estimated three to eight pounds of lead into the environment and TVs also contain other toxins like mercury and cadmium. If not properly disposed of, discarded televisions can contaminate the air, soil and groundwater.

"Recycling old televisions is a must given our limited landfill storage space and the dangerous toxins that discarded TVs release into the environment. On top of that, recycling is just the right thing to do," said ADEQ Acting Director Patrick J. Cunningham.

To find electronic waste recyclers in your area, Visit www.azrecycles.gov and enter your zip code. Another website that offers this service is the Electronic Industries Alliance (www.eia.org) which provides a list of state-by-state e-cycling resources.

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