Environment Group Targets Toxic TVs as Threat to Human, Environmental Health

Wednesday, 11 June 2003 10:00

"TVs contain lead, cadmium and brominated flame retardants," said TEC Campaigner, Jane Castle. "When they are dumped in landfills, these chemicals can leach into the environment and damage human health."

Televisions are one of the four priority 'wastes of concern' targeted by the Environment Protection Authority for Extended Producer Responsibility. Producers face mandatory government schemes if they fail to manage their products more responsibly.

"Manufacturers must stem the tide of chemicals entering the environment via their products by replacing hazardous materials and by implementing take-back and recycling systems," said Ms Castle. "Industry has made a good start with pilot programs but now it's time for real action. Government regulations must be imposed if industry fails to act."

"Producers have been selling toxic TVs in Australia for over 40 years, leaving a huge legacy of chemicals and heavy metals in the environment. The present push by manufacturers to get consumers to upgrade to wide-screen, flat-screen and digital sets will send millions more to landfill. This will turn an environmental problem into a disaster." said Ms Castle.

"Internationally, governments have banned the use of hazardous materials, implemented mandatory take-back and banned the dumping of TVs in landfills. Australia should be looking to such international best practices to set its standards."

"Failing to divert TVs from landfill also prevents the emergence of a profitable remanufacturing and recycling industry. Televisions contain valuable, non-renewable resources that are wasted when they are discarded."
 

For further information

Contact
:
Jane Castle - Resource Conservation Campaigner
Phone
:
61 2 9299 5680
Email
:
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WWW
:
http://www.tec.org.au/