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TMCNet: Recyclers See Influx of TVs

[May 17, 2008]

Recyclers See Influx of TVs

(Albuquerque Journal (NM) (KRT) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) May 17--The coming switch to digital TV broadcasts has plenty of people looking for a spot to recycle their old TVs.

The problem: It's not as easy as dropping them off at the city's recycling center, which handles other electronic waste.

TVs -- which contain lead and other materials that make them unsuitable for the city landfill -- are too expensive to recycle, the city says.

But several private recyclers will take them.

Enchantment Electronic Recycling on Prospect NE charges about $10 to recycle TVs. Office Depot usually charges between $5 and $15, depending on the size. Other places take them, as well.

Joel Belding, owner of Enchantment, said he's seen "a little bit of an increase" recently in TV recycling.

The federal government will require full-power TV stations to stop broadcasting in analog in February and switch to digital. Cable and satellite TV customers shouldn't be affected.

People who use "rabbit ear" antennas to get their TV shows for free, however, will need a converter. Many are using the switch as an excuse to just buy a new TV.

Belding said he has to charge because "there's very little market for the material. It actually costs more to recycle the TV."


Leonard Garcia, Albuquerque's director of solid-waste management, said the city has considered recycling TVs but recommends people use the private sector for now.

"It's a very expensive proposition" for the city to do it, he said.

Other electronic waste, such as computers, can be dropped off at the city's Eagle Rock Convenience Center for $3.60 a load.

Besides private recyclers, people can also take their TVs to Goodwill, which still accepts them at this point if they still work and are in good enough condition to be resold.

To see more of the Albuquerque Journal, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.abqjournal.com.

Copyright (c) 2008, Albuquerque Journal, N.M.
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