Waste Management preparing for digital changeover

In anticipation of the Feb. 17 changeover in television reception from analog to digital, Waste Management has expanded its electronic waste recycling program.

The change from analog to digital is an effort to free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications such as police, fire and emergency response, according to Justin Caporusso, spokesman for Waste Management. Those who have an analog-only television must use a converter box to switch to digital TV, or purchase a digital-ready television set.

"We don't know how many will buy the converter set or just get a new TV," he said.

He said that when electronic waste " from televisions, computers or similar equipment that uses cathode ray tubes or mercury in its production, is discarded " it should be disassembled, recycling as many parts as possible.

He added that residents should not put electronic waste out for the trash collection crews to pick up, because their collections go to the landfill.

"Any potential electronic waste is really hazardous to the environment," he said.

Mercury from electronics disposed of improperly could leak into the ground and impact the groundwater, he said, which could cause serious health problems in human beings.

So, for a fee, in most instances, Waste Management will collect electronic waste at several Reno facilities and the Lockwood landfill.

Electronic waste is not accepted at the Dayton transfer stations, and the Carson City landfill directs residents to take their electronic waste to Computer Corps, which recycles computers. The Virginia City transfer station at Washington and R streets will accept electronic waste.

Sony brand products may be taken to the company's Lockwood landfill at no charge, he said, because Waste Management partners with Sony to recycle its products.

Other brands can be taken to any of the drop-off points and will be accepted for a fees, with $5 cost for computer monitors, $15 for televisions under 27 inches and $20 for TVs over 27 inches.

Waste Management has teamed up with Radient Technologies, Inc. to provide recycling for the non-Sony products.

- Contact reporter Karen Woodmansee at kwoodmansee@nevadaappeal.com or call 881-7351.