With the digital transition switchover happening June 12, 2009, many consumers may decide to upgrade to a digital-ready TV and dispose of their old analog TV. If you have a TV that is now obsolete or non-working, please recycle it; don't throw it away with your regular trash where it will end up in a landfill.

For a list of locations that accept various electronics waste for recycling:
Call the facility ahead of time to verify what types of electronic waste are accepted.
www.iowadnr.gov/waste/recycling/files/crtsites.pdf.

Special TV recycling events:
Iowa Falls, Hardin County Electronics Collection Event.

Discarded TV's are considered E-waste (electronics waste), which refers to electronic equipment that is no longer usable or wanted. It encompasses a broad and growing range of electronic devices, including computers, cellular phones, personal stereos, digital cameras, MP3 players, DVD players and electronic games (but not including household appliances).

Reuse Options:

If a new digital-ready television is purchased, consider using the old analog television with a DVD player, VCR or game system which does not require digital capability. Analog televisions will continue to work with these and other devices.

Recycling your E-waste:

If you have a TV or other electronic device to dispose of, Iowa has over 100 permitted facilities that will accept your E-waste for recycling. The list of permitted facilities can be found here.

The potential for increased levels of illegal dumping may occur. If you witness such an event, please contact your local public works, county engineers, enforcement community or call the "1-888-NO-LITTR" Hotline.

Environmental impacts of E-wastes:

Discarded electronics contain hazardous materials. If disposed of improperly, they pose a potential threat to human health and the environment. E-waste accounts for 40 percent of the lead and 75 percent of the heavy metals found in landfills.

Televisions can each contain 7-10 lbs. of lead.

Although safe when used, once electronics are discarded in a landfill, the acidic conditions provide an environment in which lead and other heavy metals may leak out. In 2008, the EPA estimates that 23.9 million tube TVs will be disposed of by Americans (that's 711,029 tons of televisions). Numbers for end-of-life TVs have been over 20 million per year since 2005, and are expected to go up to almost 25 million by 2010. Compare this to 10 years ago, when the numbers were closer to 12 million sets disposed of per year.

What is in E-waste that can harm the environment?

1. Lead
   • Accumulates in the environment and has high acute and chronic toxic effects on plants, animals and humans.
   • Is known to cause damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, blood system and kidneys in humans.
2. Cadmium
   • Cadmium compounds are classified as toxic with a possible risk of irreversible effects on human health. It can accumulate in kidneys and affect their function.
3. Mercury
   • Mercury has been shown to accumulate in living organisms and concentrate through the food chain, particularly in fish. It can cause brain damage in humans.
4. Brominated Flame Retardants
   • Exposure to Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) are believe to cause an increased risk of cancer of the digestive and lymph systems. PBBs are found in the plastic covers of TV sets, computer monitors and other E-waste components.

Resources

• Permitted facilities that accept E-waste
• Additional E-waste information
• Digital Transition Information: www.dtv.gov
or 1-800-DTV-2009
• Digital Converter Box Coupon: www.dtv2009.gov

DNR Contact
Susan Johnson
(515) 281-7982
Susan.Johnson@dnr.iowa.gov