How to Recycle Your TV

With the latest switch to DTV or digital broadcasting, many television sets will be deemed useless unless you purchase a converter box. If you decide it's time for an upgrade and no longer need your old TV, you can recycle it. Recycling your TV is cost effective (you don't have to pay to give it to the dump) and you ecological (chemicals in TV sets can pollute the ground at the dump). Follow these steps so you can help the environment and recycle your TV.

Instructions

• 1

  CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION

  Instead of throwing away your old TV try looking into making a charitable donation. You may be able to get a tax credit for it and would be helping an organization in need. Check with local schools or libraries if your television is still in good shape, just outdated. If it's a smaller television set you may consider calling your local Goodwill agency and inquire as to whether they accept TV sets for donation.

• 2

  CALL YOUR LOCAL GARBAGE COMPANY

  Some local garbage pickup companies will sponsor a once a month pick up of electronic waste. Call your garbage people and ask about a pick up or if they have a local drop-off station. Drop-off recycle stations are growing in popularity and can often be found in even rural areas these days.

• 3

  CALL YOUR LOCAL BIG NAME RETAILER

  Places like Walmart or Best Buy may offer a TV recycle program for little or no charge. They often have access to bulk recycling programs that we aren't aware of as a public. Call and ask if they offer any such program and what they charge (or don't charge.)

• 4

  SEARCH ONLINE RESOURCES

  Online resources are available at the touch of a button and can often lead you to easy recycling options. Earth911 is a fantastic resource for learning about all kinds of recycling, not just TV recycling. They have recycling center lists by location and great FAQs for other electronic recycling. Earth911 is just one of numerous sites devoted to responsible TV recycling and disposal.