Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Available On Air Stations
Watch Live

Most TV Makers Don't Recycle

An environmental group has rated TV manufacturers on national recycling or take back programs. And KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us most of the companies get failing grades.

Most TV Makers Don't Recycle

An environmental group has rated TV manufacturers on national recycling or take back programs. And KPBS Environmental Reporter Ed Joyce tells us most of the companies get failing grades.

The Electronics TakeBack Coalition study shows more than half of the 17 companies rated scored an "F" grade because they have no recycling program.

Advertisement

The Coalition's Barbara Kyle says Sony received the highest grade, a B-minus, with other companies scoring C's and D's.

Kyle says millions of old-style TVs - which include 4-8  pounds of toxic metals, will find their way to landfills if the sets aren't recycled.

Kyle: Some people are able to sneak them into the trash. But it's just a ridiculous way for us to manage these electronics. They're far too toxic to put them in the trash and there's actually some valuable materials in there that should be reclaimed through recycling.  

The EPA estimates there are 99 million unused TV sets in storage in the United States.

HDTV sales are expected to increase in the next few months in advance of digital conversion next February.

Advertisement

Ed Joyce, KPBS News.