Switch to Digital Doesn’t Mean Throw TV in Landfill

DENVER- The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment informed Coloradans that switching to digital broadcasting in February 2009 does not mean their current television has to go in the trash. In fact, many people will be able to keep the televisions they have. If television owners decide to purchase a new television and dispose of their old one, their old TVs can be recycled.

Recycling televisions and other electronic waste helps to create opportunities for material reuse and reduces the amount of wastes, including metal, going to landfills. Cathode ray tubes in color televisions, for example, often contain lead at levels exceeding hazardous waste regulatory limits.

Residents who keep their analog televisions may be able to continue to watch broadcasts through a digital converter box.

To promote converter box usage, Congress created a TV Converter Box Coupon Program, which offers households two $40 converter box discounts. For information on the coupons, visit www.dtv2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009.

For a list of questions and answers about the transition to digital TV programming, visit the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s Web site at http://www.cdphe.state.co.us/hm/dtv/dtvfaq.htm. The information provides options about receiving TV signals after the digital transition. Information also may be obtained by calling 303-692-3320 in the Denver metropolitan area, or toll free outside the metropolitan area 1-888-569-1831, ext. 3320.