Texas TV Takeback Bill
Posted by Becky Vickman on Tue, Aug 16, 2011 @ 09:21 AM
Every time you turn around, the latest, greatest LED TV, LCD TV or plasma TV is coming out with a newer version or update making all the other TVs obsolete. These old TVs get illegally dumped or end up in landfills creating a potentially dangerous situation.
An estimated 25 million TVs are disposed of each year in the U.S. Not only do these TVs take up space in the landfills, but they contain toxic chemicals. Old cathode ray tube TVs contain several pounds of lead, while most new flat screen TVs contain mercury bulbs. These chemicals can seep into the soil and water when disposed of in landfills.
Because of this, Governor Rick Perry signed the new Texas TV Takeback bill in June 2011 ensuring manufacturers must offer a recycling program when it comes time to trade up. Senate Bill 329, which was signed by Governor Perry during the 2011 Texas legislative session, will keep old televisions and their toxic materials out of the landfills.
Environmentalists and local governments have praised Texas legislators for passing this bill. Environmentalists believe the bill is long overdue, and the long-awaited companion to the Computer Takeback Law Governor Perry signed in 2007. Local governments are pleased because this bill will help stop the illegal dumping in Texas counties.
Senate Bill 329, sponsored by Senator Kirk Watson and Representative Warren Chisum, requires manufacturers selling TVs in Texas to offer free, convenient, recycling programs for Texas residents. Industry support was a key factor in the bill’s passage. The Consumer Electronics Association, which represents more than 2,000 companies, supported the bill- marking the first time this association has supported any state producer takeback recycling law. Other business groups, local governments, recycling businesses and faith-based organizations also backed this bill along with the actual TV manufacturers.
Now that the bill has been signed, our state environmental agency (TCEQ) will begin crafting the rules to implement and enforce it as a state law. Environmental groups and recycling advocates are working hard to press the TCEQ officials to adopt strong rules that will result in effective recycling programs for all Texas residents.
Click here to view Senate Bill 329.
