TV manufacturers would face a fine of up to $25,000 if they decide to trash their televisions.
Bill sponsor and Republican Senator Dan Clemens says discarded TVs fill up both closets and landfills.
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Description: 86 percent of old televisions currently wind up in landfills. And they have between four and eight pounds of lead in them. This year alone, 26 million high-definition televisions will be purchased. Last year, 27 millions TVs were thrown away, and an estimated 99 million TVs are piled in closets, basements and garages. |
Despite an overload of TVs, senator Clemens says patience is needed.
Actuality: CLEMENS1.WAV |
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Description: Is this a baby step? A work in progress? Yes, because we are talking about recycling of a lot of different items down the road, I think. These things do not need to be in landfills. |
Clemens' bill has support from Barbara Kyle of Electronics TakeBack Coalition. She says the law needs a strong driving force to decrease electronic waste.
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Description: Passing laws that mandate recycling with strong drivers that really mean a lot of recycling will happen is really important to us seeing that electronic waste is the fastest growing waste in the U.S. |
Recycling unwanted TVs will take on more importance when the transition from antennas to digital takes effect in June 2009.
Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Rebecca Layne... KSMU.