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Obsolete TVs are Dangerous Curbside Clutter

Chicago-area retailers accepting obsolete TVs

By Ginger Zee and BJ Lutz

| Wednesday, Dec 30, 2009 | Updated 2:08 PM CST

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Obsolete TVs are Dangerous Curbside Clutter

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Absolutely, do not put your old TV in the trash.

With potentially a hundred million TVs instantly obsolete as of last Friday, the environmental impact could be huge if they were just tossed to the curb.

Each set has five to 10 pounds of lead, according to the CEO of PC Rebuilders and Recyclers, Willie Cade.

"We really don't want that to go in our landfills," he said.

Cade's point is simple: absolutely, do not put your old TV in the trash.

They can be taken to drop off centers like PC Rebuilders and Recyclers, or held onto until January 1, 2010, when a new Illinois e-waste law goes into effect.

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At that time, manufacturers are responsible for the disposal of their products. Companies like Sony, Apple and Dell will have to hold free recycling events.

The new law, it's argued, is good for consumers and good for the environment, creating about 4,000 jobs and $740 million in new revenue for the state, according to Environmental Law & Policy Center attorney Melville Nickerson.

Chicago-area locations accepting televisions:
(Please call the retailer to find the most current policy before traveling to dispose of television sets)

BEST BUY:
1. 555 W Roosevelt Rd.
(312) 733-6635

2. 2650 N Clark St.
(773) 388-2920

SALVATION ARMY:
3. 509 N. Union St.
(773) 738-4360

4. 2270 N. Clybourn Ave.
(773) 477-1771

5. 4141 W. North Ave.
(773) 342-2068

6. 3837 Fullerton Ave.
(773) 276-1955

7. 2941 N. Central Ave.
(773) 283-1315

8. 5713 W. Chicago Ave.
(773) 287-9774

9. 4315 N. Broadway
(773) 348-1401

10. 3301 W. Montrose Ave.
(773) 588-7343

11. 2151 W. Devon Ave.
(773) 764-0343

12. 2024 S. Western Ave.
(773) 254-1127