News: Useless Analog TV's: An Afterthought?

We are only a year away now from the federally mandated switch from analog to all digital broadcasting in the United States. As you know, TV viewers who get their signals via "over the air" will be forced to switch to a cable or satellite subscription, pay for a converter box or trash that old TV and buy a new digital one.

Many are going tosimply opt for trashing the old set and buying a new one.

And this is where the problem lies. Each of those sets is a toxic mess waiting to happen...with several pounds of lead and mercury...that could contaminate soil and water supplies if they are not properly disposed.

Today there are very few options, other than landfills for these sets.

Congress hasn't been thinking much about this problem after deciding to impose this mandate on consumers. Nor do they seem to care. We have yet to see a serious program offered by legislators that addresses this issue or provides serious funding for recycling programs.

A few companies, like Sony, are trying to start up and expand recycling programs - but unless they move more quickly to reach a majority of the population and make it a relatively easy turn in procedure - most of those old sets are still going to wind up on folks front lawns awaiting Mr. Trashman.

CNN reporter Kate Bolduan takes a more in-depth look at e-waste recycling.

VIDEO FEATURE:
To watch Kate's package on TV recycling: CLICK HERE

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