Take Back My TV
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TV companies not off the hook as digital deadline passes: Take Back My TV issues new grades
Posted on June 16, 2009Flat screen and flat panel televisions have become increasingly popular in US households in recent years and people are beginning to trash their old analog sets. Last week’s digital conversion is expected to raise the tide of old TVs being disposed.
"It's people's nature to hang onto working electronics, thinking they can find someone to give them to. Some of those TVs in storage may have been donated by now, but the millions that are still there will become trash soon as people realize that no one is going to want their old analog TV, even if it's working," said Barbara Kyle, the National Coordinator at the Electronics TakeBack Coalition" (New York Times, June 15, 2009).
The rise in discarded electronics puts pressure on the television manufacturers and retailers to establish responsible takeback programs. Many watchdog groups are keeping an eye on the popular—yet immoral and harmful—practice of exporting e-waste, which contain high levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other toxic substances.
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition has remained vigilant, watching the leading TV manufacturers and retailers too, see who is encouraging responsible disposal of old TV sets with takeback programs. Our new report card shows some improvements, but—more distressingly— that there is still a lot of work to be done.
Most of the six TV manufacturers who offer takeback programs (Sony, Samsung, LG, Panasonic, Sharp, Toshiba) improved their scores on the report card from November 2008, moving up from D’s to C's or better. And retailer Best Buy has launched a national takeback program in all 1,006 of its stores, which accepts TVs up to 32 inches for a $10 fee. Companies getting F’s on the report card include Vizio, Funai, Mistubishi, Philips, JVC, Sanyo, and retailer Target.
Press Coverage
Electronics Recycling - Who’s Responsible?
Recycling Today12-29-09 -- As the lawsuit challenging New York City’s electronics take-back law prepares for opening arguments in mid-January, industry associations and electronics recycling advocates wonder what effect the court’s ruling will have on the future of producer responsibility.
A Green Way to Dump Low-Tech Electronics
The New York Times06-30-09 -- The Environmental Protection Agency estimates 99.1 million televisions sit unused in closets and basements across the country. Consumer response to recycling has been enormous in states where the laws have taken effect.
LCD and plasma TV sales brighten retail picture
Los Angeles Times06-29-09 -- Slashed prices, the digital transition and a budget-prompted tendency to spend more time at home motivate consumers to upgrade their televisions.
