As part of its efforts in support of HB 821, ACT is posting the media release below. Robin Schneider, executive director of Texas Campaign for the Environment, is the 2009 ACT team leader for Electronic Waste Recycling.

MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, May 13th, 2009

CONTACT: Robin Schneider, 512-326-5655 (office), 512-299-1640 (cell), robin@texasenvironment.org

Texas House Passes Statewide TV Recycling Bill Today

The Texas House of Representatives tentatively passed HB 821 by Rep. David Leibowitz (D-San Antonio) unanimously on a voice vote. HB 821 will require TV makers selling TVs now to provide free and convenient recycling for used televisions.

“The overwhelming approval of this TV recycling bill reflects the growing concern that Texans need convenient television recycling options,” said State Representative David Leibowitz (D-San Antonio), author of House Bill 821. “Texans are buying new flat screen televisions to replace their old tube TVs and we need to make sure these televisions get recycled responsibly.”

“We are thrilled that the TV producer takeback recycling law is just about out of the Texas House,” said Robin Schneider, Executive Director of Texas Campaign for the Environment. “In 2007, the Texas Legislature required computer and monitor makers to provide free and convenient recycling for their products and this would set up a similar recycling system for television.”

This legislation has the backing of Tech America and other industry groups, Goodwill, local governments and environmental groups, as well as faith-based advocates such as the Christian Life Commission of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. It is a priority piece of legislation for the Alliance for a Clean Texas, which represents major environmental groups.

The following local governments are on record in favor of producer takeback recycling for electronic waste:

Counties: Harris, Dallas, Tarrant, Travis, Hays, Refugio, Burnet, Wharton, Lavaca, Austin, Culberson, Callahan, Coleman, Menard, Val Verde, Goliad, Gonzales, Caldwell, Fayette, Bandera, Lampasas, Washington, Brown, San Saba, Waller, Hudspeth

Cities and Towns:
Houston, Ft. Worth, Dallas, Austin, Corpus Christi, Richardson, Plano, Sherman, Georgetown, Kyle, San Marcos, Highland Village, Rowlett, Round Rock, Lakeway, Avery

Old cathode ray tube televisions contain four to eight pounds of lead, flat screens contain mercury and most electronics contain PCB-like brominated flame retardants. Texas does not currently have a comprehensive program for recycling obsolete TVs although some TV producers offer some recycling nation-wide on a voluntary basis.

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