Recent years have seen major advances in the technology behind television.
Gone are the old, bulky TV sets with many models today being not much thicker than a sheet of glass.
Advances in transmission technology have also matched the evolution of screen technology – it’s all digital these days.
These twin drivers of technological obsolescence have generated a deluge of old televisions, many of which are left on nature strips to be vandalised, or dumped into landfill.
Either way, that creates significant risks of environmental pollution.
Depending on the specific technology, some TVs contain the toxic metals mercury and lead. They also contain useful and irreplaceable resources.
Whichever way you look at it, the best thing to do with old TVs is to recycle them.
Everyone needs to get involved. E-waste is growing three times faster than other forms of waste, but the level of e-waste recycling in Australia is minimal.
Easy for individuals
Fortunately, it’s easy for individuals to recycle old televisions (and computers).
In 2011, the National Television and Computer Recycling Scheme (NTCRS) was established to provide householders and small businesses with access to collection and recycling services.
Funded by industry, the scheme allows small quantities of TVs and computers to be left at participating collection points.
Often these are major retail stores or council waste depots, so there is likely to be one in your neighbourhood.
Over 230,000 tonnes of television and computer e-waste has been recycled to date. Collection points can be found at RecyclingNearYou.
Even easier for larger organisations
What if you’ve got large quantities of TVs to recycle? The solution is even easier.
Ecocycle takes care of pickup, transportation and recycling of e-waste, including televisions, right around Australia.
If you have significant quantities of TVs to be recycled, just give us a call on 1300 32 62 92 or fill in the contact form below.
And while we’re talking TVs, lets discuss recycling your lighting, battery and computer e-waste too.
