Where TVs go when they die

not surprisingly, a vast amount of people don't know how to properly dispose of electronic components that have broken in their home. I've seen many a computer monitor on the side of the road, or old broken TVs. Working for an electronics store, I've had countless people say "I just took my old TV to the dump..." and had to swallow my horror as I grudgingly go sell them a new one.
Since I'd LIKE to think that the lovely people who read this blog are smart, educated, and a bit more clued in to what harmful waste this is, please allow me to repost an e-alert I received from a local environmental group. Please, this one is an important one! it will only take a few minutes of your time to write your local rep, they've set up a very easy form on their website!
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The environmental community, retailers, charities and a major computer manufacturer are working together to promote legislation for responsible electronics recycling. Now is a critical time for this legislation, which will provide people with a safe, free and simple way to recycle their computers and televisions. Please take one minute today to ask your legislators to support this bill.
http://actionstudio.org/?go=2025
Background
Washington State has a rapidly growing electronic waste problem. Millions of unwanted computers, monitors and TVs are piling up in our homes, schools, and offices. Each year, these obsolete electronics turn into millions of pounds of "e-waste" containing lead, mercury and other toxic substances that need special handling. E-waste also contains metals and other materials that can be recycled into new products.
The legislation (SSB 6428 / SHB 2662) will give people a simple, free and safe way of recycling their old computers and TVs. The E-waste Shared Responsibility bill would create a statewide electronics recycling system, established and paid for by the manufacturers of electronic equipment, with retailers and others voluntarily serving as collection points. The legislation links electronics recycling with electronics manufacturing, allowing manufacturers to save money as they reduce their use of toxic materials.
The bill has the support of Hewlett Packard, the Washington Retail Association, Goodwill of Seattle and Tacoma, many local governments and the environmental community. However, we are facing strong opposition from a number of manufacturers. We need your help to let legislators know that you care about this important issue.
Please email your legislators today and make your voice heard!
http://actionstudio.org/?go=2025
For more information on e-waste, please see: http://www.WasteNotWashington.org