Television in transition: the switch to digital TV broadcasts has state lawmakers concerned that old sets will flood landfills.

• Author: Spielvogel, Tamra

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The analog world is headed for the dustbin of history, at least when it comes to television.

On Feb. 17, broadcasters in the United States will turn off transmission of analog signals and broadcast only digital signals. Most people will not be affected because they receive their TV service from a cable or satellite provider or they have a newer television capable of receiving digital signals over the air.

About 13 million households that receive only analog TV signals through rabbit ears or a roof-top antenna, however, must buy a box that will take in digital signals and convert them to analog signals, buy a new digital TV, or sign up for cable or satellite service.

The digital transition could spur millions of consumers to swap their old analog sets for new digital ones. State officials are concerned the sets may end up in local landfills that are ill-prepared to handle them. Americans already dispose of millions of TVs every year--nearly 27 million in 2007. Fewer than 20 percent are recycled.

"From an environmental standpoint, legislators need to keep in mind not all citizens will be thinking about recycling those old TVs," says New Jersey Assemblyman Reed Gusciora. Many TVs may end up in landfills where their toxic chemicals will pollute the ground and water, he says.

Electronic waste, or e-waste--including televisions, computers, cell phones and monitors--is the fastest growing waste stream in the country. The United States produces more than 2.5 million tons of it a year. Rapid advancements in technology have led many consumers to adopt the latest devices and throw away the old ones.

In recent years, there has been a growing focus on how to handle discarded electronics. The sheer volume of devices alone raises concern for state and local governments. But televisions and other electronic devices--especially older models--often contain harmful metals and chemicals such as mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants. The cathode-ray tubes (CRTs) used in older televisions and computer monitors are of special concern because they contain cancer-causing materials, including lead, barium and other heavy metals that can contaminate the soil, water and air.

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WHY THE SWITCH MATTERS

The issue concerning state lawmakers is what happens to the millions of sets consumers no longer want. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that only about 18 percent of e-waste is collected for recycling.

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