What to do with old TVs?

    You have seen the ads on television. The switch from analog broadcasting to digital for your television is only days away.  In fact, the change will take place on June 12, 2009. If you have cable TV, you don’t need to do anything. The same is true if you do not have cable, but have a newer TV. You will continue to receive your TV programs like you always have because the newer televisions have digital receivers.
    A problem could arise if you have an older TV and no cable because older televisions do not have digital receivers. Therefore, they will not be able to receive the digital signal that will be broadcast on June 13, 2009. If you are in this category, you have two choices. One choice is to purchase a converter box, which will allow your old TV to receive digital signals. Another choice you have is to purchase a new TV, which will have the capability of receiving digital signals.
    If you do end up buying a new TV, what do you do with the old one? If you want to dispose of it, Maine law requires that it be recycled, so it cannot simply be thrown away with your regular trash. In fact, state law has required homeowners to recycle televisions and computer monitors since July 2006. The Department of Environmental Protection worked with manufacturers to create a statewide program for the recycling of televisions and monitors. This program benefits homeowners because the manufacturer pays for most of the cost of recycling the old ones.
    A portion of the Presque Isle Recycling Center located at 655 Missile Street is dedicated to the recycling of Universal Waste, which includes televisions. Televisions and computer monitors are accepted from households for a nominal fee of only $2. This is probably the lowest fee you will ever see for TV recycling.
    So, if you purchase a new TV and want to dispose of the old one, visit us at the Recycling Center. If you have any questions about the recycling of your television or other Universal Waste, please contact us at 764-9393 or 764-2512.
    Dana Fowler is the solid waste director for the city of Presque Isle. He can be contacted at 764-2512 or dfowler@presqueisleme.us.