EPA E-Cycling Challenge
By: RNS Wire & Chris Whited, KRBC News
Updated: February 16, 2009
The federal government is challenging electronics manufacturers and retailers to step up when it comes to recycling their products. The EPA today called on the industries to increase the collection and responsible recycling of discarded TVs, computers and other electronics through the agency's so-called "Plug-In to eCycling" initiative. According to the EPA, Americans discarded nearly 27 million TVs alone in 2007 - while nearly 100 million more were shoved into closets, basements and garages. Environmentalists say recycling TVs and other electronics helps conserve natural resources and reduce energy use while lowering climate-changing greenhouse-gas emissions. Industry leaders that include Samsung, Sony, Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba have already signed on to the challenge - which since its inception in 2003 has led to the recycling over 200 million pounds of products.
You may recall Texas lawmakers passed a bill last spring that now requires all computer manufacturers who sell their products in the state to offer a free and convenient recycling program. Several environmental groups in the state are asking lawmakers this session to amend the bill to include television recycling as well.
