RECYCLING UNWANTED ANALOG TVs A MUST

RECYCLING UNWANTED ANALOG TVs A MUST

Recycle retired televisions for free at RIRRC

JOHNSTON, R.I. (January 12, 2009) – Analog televisions are the modern equivalent of the 8-track player but at least the analogs can have a second life. And Resource Recovery is making it easy on the wallet by waiving the $5 recycling fee starting February 1.

Unwanted analog televisions can be recycled at Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation, and the service is limited to Rhode Island residents only.

Many Rhode Islanders are expected to replace their analog TVs because of the federal requirement for local TV stations to discontinue broadcasting analog TV signals. February 17 marks the last day of analog transmission.

“If you choose to buy a new TV rather than buy a digital converter box for your analog, please recycle the old TV at RIRRC,” said Mike O’Connell, executive director of RIRRC. “Actually, it is the only disposal option. As of January 31^st, land-filling televisions is banned in Rhode Island.”

The televisions’ cathode ray tubes contain lead and other hazardous substances that threaten human health. They cannot be put in curbside trash.

RIRRC holds special Saturday collections throughout the year at the Central Landfill and at other locations throughout the state for electronic waste. The Saturday collections for the next six months are: February 7, April 25, May 9, June 13 and June 20 in Johnston; March 28 in Smithfield; April 18 in Middletown; and May 16 in Narragansett. Computers and cell phones may also be recycled at no cost at these collections. Appointments are not necessary.

Visit www.rirrc.org for more information about recycling electronics and the entire 2009 calendar.

Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation is the quasi-state environmental agency dedicated to providing the public with environmentally sound programs and facilities to manage waste. The agency helps fund and promote the state’s recycling program, and owns and operates the Materials Recycling Facility and Central Landfill in Johnston.