Sony works with Waste Management
eCycling Centers to expand recycling
Impending digital signal mandate makes disposal options crucial
Sony Electronics, in partnership with
Waste Management Recycle America, is the first television manufacturer
to launch a free national take back program as well as to sign on to the “Manufacturers’ Commitment
to Responsible E-Waste Recycling.”
Sony promised to not only take back old televisions, but also to make sure
their recyclers meet a strict set of recycling standards, including not exporting
the toxic waste to developing countries. While leading computer companies
have already established partial recycling programs, Sony is the only consumer
electronics company to offer a $100 trade-in incentive and unlimited free
take-back and recycling for all its products in the United States that is
not contingent on a new purchase.
This issue is becoming increasingly crucial in light of the impending FCC-mandated
switch to digital of TV signal, scheduled for February 2009. As the date
approaches, the demand for digital televisions will only increase-as will
the need for a responsible, efficient way to manage the disposal of obsolete
analog TV sets. The Consumer Electronics
Association expects at least 30 million digital televisions to be sold
in the United States in 2007 alone. That’s a
new digital TV for almost 30% of the households in the US in just one year.
A complete list of Waste Management Recycle America eCycling Drop-Off centers
can be found at www.takebackmytv.com as well as at www.electronicstakeback.com,
which feature maps of existing e-waste drop-off sites
Sony and Waste Management indicate that more drop-off sites will be added
in 2008.
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