Locals switched on to recycling TVs

Unwanted TVs can be dropped off at some Rotorua stores. Photo/File

Hundreds of Rotorua people have taken advantage of a free recycling programme by ditching their old televisions.

So far more than 860 TVs have been dropped off in the city after one month of the TV TakeBack programme.

Television in the upper North Island will be digital only from Sunday after analogue transmissions are switched off.

If you have an unwanted television, you can drop it without charge at Noel Leeming and Smiths City stores in Rotorua or at the Materials Processing Recycling Centre on Te Ngae Rd.

In the first 30 days of the TV TakeBack programme, Rotorua has used up 28 per cent of its quota, collecting a total 868 TVs.

So far, 12,757 TVs have been collected in the upper North Island, 155,640 TVs have been collected in the lower North Island, where TV TakeBack is also under way, and Hawke's Bay and the South Island where the programme has been completed.

Mike Mendonca, Ministry for the Environment director of operations, said: "People now know that televisions contain materials such as lead that can be harmful to the environment so they shouldn't be thrown away.

"Many of those who have dropped off their unwanted TVs are surprised to hear they contain valuable components such as copper and steel, which can be recycled locally, or sent overseas to specialist recycling facilities."

Meanwhile, Enviroschools students in Rotorua are also being encouraged to recycle unwanted TVs and get the chance to win prizes for their school.

The Enviroschools Challenge aims to raise awareness among students and their communities of the need to recycle unwanted TVs.

When students recycle a TV at a drop-off site, they can nominate an Enviroschool of their choice.

The Enviroschool with the best participation rate will win a Samsung technology package that includes a 46in LED Smart TV and a home theatre system.

All Enviroschools nominated will also go into the draw to receive two Samsung Note 8 tablets.