Countdown to Digital TV: What Are You Doing
With Your Old Electronics?
Consumers Urged to Recycle Instead of Abandon

For immediate release: 9/30/08
For more information, Contact:
Seattle Public Utilities Customer Service, (206) 684-3000

SEATTLE — As the Feb. 17, 2009 transition date from analogue to digital TV nears, Mayor Greg Nickels is urging city residents buying new TV’s to use existing electronic recycling (e-cycling) networks or wait until after Jan. 1, 2009 when a host of new e-cycling services become available — including new drop off centers offering free recycling of TVs, computers and monitors, and low-cost curbside pick-up.

Digital TV transition (DTV) means preparing for added multi-channel programming choices, but many TV watchers remain confused about how to get ready, or where to get rid old electronics.

“Getting a converter box is an eco-friendly cost-effective option to extending the life of analog TVs, and more than 10 million people have already requested conversion coupons on the Web,” Nickels said. “We want people to know they have options, whether buying or using a converter box — making the choice to recycle electronic devices helps preserve our environment.”

Although encouraged by data showing two-thirds of households connected to cable or satellite service are already prepared for digital signals, city officials still remain cautious about the positive trend in conversions. “Recent increases in the sale of digital TVs indicate a significant number of people are still replacing their TVs rather than adding a converter,” Nickels said.1

Consumers who want to get rid of old electronics can find low-cost recyclers by contacting programs like the “Take it Back Network” or the 1-800-RECYCLE hotline. Dumping and improper disposal of electronics allows the toxic materials and hazardous chemicals in electronic devices to end up in landfills where they contaminate the environment and harm our health.

E-cycling promotes reuse of valuable materials like circuit boards, metal wiring, leaded glass, and plastics while keeping TVs out of parks, alleys, and other public areas. Jan. 1, 2009, marks the opening of over 200 state-wide manufacturer funded E-Cycle Washington collection sites. The launch of these low to no-cost collection locations, along with Seattle Public Utilities proposal to add curbside electronics recycling as a part of new solid waste services slated for next spring, demonstrates a commitment to making responsible electronics recycling easier than ever.

TVs currently connected by a rooftop antenna or rabbit ears won’t receive the new digital signals after Feb. 17, 2009 unless connected to a converter box. Boxes convert digital signals to extend the lifespan of analog sets and are a great alternative to buying new. The Digital-to-Analog Converter Box Program provides two $40 converter box coupons per household through Mar. 21, 2009. Coupons expire 90 days after mailed and are available online at US Department of Commerce, or by calling 1-888-388-2009 (voice) or 1-877-530-2634 (TTY).

In addition to providing a reliable water supply to more than 1.3 million customers in the Seattle metropolitan area, SPU provides essential sewer, drainage, solid waste and engineering services that safeguard public health, maintain the city’s infrastructure and protect, conserve and enhance the region's environmental resources.

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Seattle Public Utilities