Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba form e-waste recycling company
Fax machine disposalHDTV sales will continue to boom through 2008 as people upgrade their standard definition TV sets. So, what will become of the old TV you discard in favor of that new 42-inch LCD panel?
A joint venture between three of Japan’s largest TV manufacturers will try to help keep us from sinking in our electronic waste. Panasonic, Sharp and Toshiba opened the doors on Manufacturers Recycling Management Co. to help deal with the problem.
E-waste is any electronics we discard and a large part of it is in the form of old televisions and computer monitors. These things are filled with hazardous materials like lead, cadmium and toxic flame retardants. By recycling our e-waste we not only properly dispose of the bad stuff, but we can also recover metals and plastics to be reused elsewhere.
The MRM is operating only in Minnesota so far, a state with strict laws that make vendors responsible for their own products at the end of their life cycle. Since last September the joint recycling enterprise has collected some 750 tons of our old TV, monitors, computers and discarded audio gear. They even collected that annoying annoying fax machine.
The new company has agreements with other manufacturers to dispose of their waste as well. It’s becoming apparent that the consumer electronics industry must come up with some e-waste solutions with about 35 more states considering legislation similar to that of Minnesota’s. To answer the call, MRM will soon open facilities in Connecticut, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Washington.
