Changes for Tube TVs in Electronics Recycling Programs

Due to a lack of state funding, recycling facilities are no longer accepting Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) TV sets. CRT, or ‘tube’ TVs, will also not be accepted at this Saturday’s electronics recycling event in Sycamore. The event will be held at the Sycamore Public Works Building, 475 North Cross Street, Sycamore, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

CRT televisions are much larger and heavier than flat-screen units and, as a result, have depleted the State’s budget for recycling assistance provided to recycling facilities and have filled the facilities’ storage capacity faster than expected. Residents are encouraged to use one of two means of recycling their unwanted CRT television sets.

First, Waste Management can be contacted directly at 800-796-9696 and a pick-up may be scheduled for a $25-$35 fee. Second, Best Buy is currently accepting televisions up to 32” for free. However, since Best Buy has limited space, it is anticipated that the stores will begin charging for recycling services. More information on Best Buy’s recycling program can be found here: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/clp/recycling-electronics/pcmcat149900050025.c?id=pcmcat149900050025.

Televisions abandoned by residents at the curb will be stickered by Waste Management if not properly paid for and will be treated by the City as a property maintenance code violation.

A special Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) hearing will be held in Springfield on July 29, 2015 to discuss the Electronics Recycling and Reuse Act as well as what adjustments are needed to continue recycling efforts.

The company which currently provides County-wide electronics recycling, New Life, is no longer accepting CRT units. It is anticipated that New Life will begin accepting CRT units again in the future. The most up-to-date information can be found at: http://nlerinc.com/recycling-events/

Additionally, residents are encouraged to complete a survey from DeKalb County, which seeks to determine the remaining need for CRT unit recycling services. The survey can be completed here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FBLQXBY.