Unwanted TVs perfect for recycling

Those with unwanted TVs have been urged to put them into recycling. Photo / Thinkstock

Upper North Island residents who have unwanted TV sets following Sunday's digital switchover are being urged to drop them off for recycling.

The Environment Ministry said drop-off sites had been set up as part of the TV TakeBack initiative - which is aimed at discouraging the dumping of TVs in landfills.

"The many people who have disposed of TVs so far have been surprised to hear televisions contain valuable components such as copper, which can be recycled locally, or sent to overseas specialist recycling facilities," ministry spokesman Mike Mendona said.

For more information on the drop-off sites, visit tvtakeback.govt.nz.