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.
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
13. 5112 S. Ashland Ave.
(773) 737-3335
14. 3055 W. 63rd St.
(773) 476-8718
15. 6434 W. 63rd St.
(773) 586-0178
OFFICE DEPOT:
16. 352 W. Grand Ave.
(312) 670-8200
OTHER LOCATIONS:
17. Great Lakes Electronics
5950 W. 66th St.
(888) 392-7831
18. Everlights
9901 S. Torrence Ave.
(773) 734-9873
OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS:
19. Best Buy
2358 Harlem, North Riverside
(708) 447-2757
20. Best Buy
7600 S. Cicero, Burbank
(708) 226-0065
21. ABT Electronics
1200 N. Milwaukee, Glenview
22. Waste Management
6801 W. 15th St., Gary
(219) 977-8095
23. Intercon Solutions
1001-59 Washington,
Chicago Heights
24. Salvation Army
9000 S. Harlem, Bridgeview
(708) 598-2376
25. Salvation Army
8732-34 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn
(708) 425-6064