What do I do with my old analog TV set?

Recycle it! If you decide to buy a new digital TV and no longer want your old analog TV, look for opportunities to recycle it. Recycling TVs recovers valuable materials from the circuit boards, metal wiring, leaded glass, and plastics. Call your local household hazardous waste collection and recycling program to find out whether they will be sponsoring an upcoming event to recycle TVs and other electronics. But, do not just dump an old TV in a landfill as there are substances inside a TV set that can be toxic.

You can also check out the following Web sites to find a recycling program near you. Identifying resources and locations for electronics recycling does not constitute EPA’s endorsement of the services.

• Earth 911 (www.earth911.com/electronics) Earth 911’s zip-code based search engine enables you to find recycling and reuse options in your community for a variety of products.
• National Recycling Coalition (www.nrc-recycle.org/localresources). This page provides links to state recycling resources. Many communities have special collection and recycling days that are highlighted on their Web sites.  (
  
• My Green Electronics (www.mygreenelectronics.org) On this Consumer Electronics Association site, you can learn more about purchasing “green” electronic products and search for recycling opportunities.

For many working electronic products, donation is a good option because it facilitates reuse and extends the product life. However, with the switch to digital broadcasting, many charitable organizations may no longer be accepting analog TVs. Please check with the organization before you drop off your analog TV.  For more information, go online to www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/materials/ecycling/tv-challenge.htm.