Unwanted consumer electronics – cell and smart phones, computers and monitors, televisions, DVD and MP3 players, pagers, PDAs and other devices – are the fastest-growing category of waste in Massachusetts. Until recently, Bay Staters were discarding an average of more than 900,000 units annually, but that number has increased due to the federally-mandated transition to digital television broadcasting. If you own an analog TV, there is no need to replace it right away. You can extend its useful life by purchasing a digital converter box.
When you do have a television or any other unwanted electronics to discard, remember that still-useful items can be donated to others. Non-working electronics should be recycled to prevent lead, mercury and other toxics they contain from posing health and environmental risks after disposal. Some electronics – the cathode ray tubes (CRTs) found in most computer and television screens pre-dating flat panels – are banned from Massachusetts landfills and combustion facilities.