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TALLAHASSEE – In preparation for the digital TV transition in 2009, the
Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has produced an interactive
web-based map that enables citizens to find out where to recycle old
televisions. With the digital conversion just months away, DEP expects many
unwanted analog televisions to be recycled as new digital televisions are
purchased.
“Recycling your television, instead of throwing it away makes a lot of sense.
It keeps waste out of landfills, and allows the recovery of electronic
components that contain lead and other toxic materials,” said DEP Deputy
Secretary for Regulatory Programs Mimi Drew. “Conservation, reuse and recycling
of all resources and wastes should be a key component of our lifestyles.”
Some electronics recyclers estimate that as many as one in four households
may discard at least one television as a result of the digital conversion. If
that happens, Florida could see almost two million televisions recycled in the
next few years.
The interactive map feature allows Floridians to identify where to recycle
electronics with just one click. DEP’s electronics recycling website also links
to a frequently asked questions page that explains what the television broadcast
signal conversion is, how to tell whether your television is “digital-ready” and
how to get a $40 coupon towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter
box.
As the result of a recent federal law, all television broadcast signals in
the U. S. after February 17, 2009, must be in a digital format. Any television
that uses cable or satellite is already able to receive the new digital format
signal (digital-ready). Older televisions that use “rabbit ears” or a roof top
antenna can only receive the old analog format signal and might not be able to
view digital television programming. Owners of older units must either purchase
a new television with a digital tuner or a digital-to-analog converter box that
allows older television sets to receive the new digital format signal.
If purchasing a new television, DEP encourages consumers to consider buying
one that conserves energy. ENERGY STAR qualified televisions use about 30
percent less electricity than standard units, saving both energy and money on
utility bills. For more information on ENERGY STAR televisions, visit
http://www.energystar.gov/.
To use DEP’s interactive electronics recycling map, visit
www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/pages/televisions.htm. For more information on recycling electronics, visit:http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/electronics/default.htm.
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