Keeping Unwanted TVs Out Of Landfills
Acton Charity Finds New Home For Nearly Anything
POSTED: 11:58 am EDT September 15,
2008
UPDATED: 5:48 pm EDT September 15,
2008
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BOSTON -- With five months until the nationwide switch from analog to digital television transmission, many people may decide now is the time to get rid of old television sets once and for all.
Keeping Unwanted TVs Out Of LandfillsNewsCenter 5’s David Brown reported Monday that there are plenty of ways to recycle old TVs and electronics so that they do not end up in the local landfill.One option is to take unwanted sets to Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts (formerly known as Household Goods Recycling Ministry), a non-denominational nonprofit based in Acton. Its 9,400-square-foot warehouse is a beehive of activity.“It was kind of bedlam here this morning,” said HGRM co-founder Ira Smith.Every household item that is donated to HGRM is given to a needy family. Most, Smith said, would be thrilled to have unwanted televisions, too, as long as they are cable-ready and in good working order.“Oh yes,” said Smith. “Most of these people are homeless or just getting into an apartment, or [escaping] domestic violence. They left everything where they were.”Smith, his wife Barbara and their army of volunteers give people in need access to nearly everything they need to make a home. Most clients are referred to HGRM by approximately 300 social service agencies, some from as far away as Boston and Worcester.So far this year, Smith said, the nonprofit has given away an average of 55 televisions per month. They give away furniture and other items to more than 3,000 families a year.“We want cable-ready TVs that work, with remotes,” said Smith.And HGRM, he said, is ready to handle a potential influx of electronics with the switch to digital television on February 17, 2009.“We’ve been limiting 1 television per household. We could even give out one for the kids’ room, too,” he joked.A spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees recycling programs, said residents who don’t live near Acton are encouraged to call their city or town’s recycling department. Most have contracts with outside companies that responsibly dismantle electronics, recycling as much as possible.HGRM is one of many charities in Massachusetts that will accept electronics and donate them to needy families.
Keeping Unwanted TVs Out Of LandfillsNewsCenter 5’s David Brown reported Monday that there are plenty of ways to recycle old TVs and electronics so that they do not end up in the local landfill.One option is to take unwanted sets to Household Goods Recycling of Massachusetts (formerly known as Household Goods Recycling Ministry), a non-denominational nonprofit based in Acton. Its 9,400-square-foot warehouse is a beehive of activity.“It was kind of bedlam here this morning,” said HGRM co-founder Ira Smith.Every household item that is donated to HGRM is given to a needy family. Most, Smith said, would be thrilled to have unwanted televisions, too, as long as they are cable-ready and in good working order.“Oh yes,” said Smith. “Most of these people are homeless or just getting into an apartment, or [escaping] domestic violence. They left everything where they were.”Smith, his wife Barbara and their army of volunteers give people in need access to nearly everything they need to make a home. Most clients are referred to HGRM by approximately 300 social service agencies, some from as far away as Boston and Worcester.So far this year, Smith said, the nonprofit has given away an average of 55 televisions per month. They give away furniture and other items to more than 3,000 families a year.“We want cable-ready TVs that work, with remotes,” said Smith.And HGRM, he said, is ready to handle a potential influx of electronics with the switch to digital television on February 17, 2009.“We’ve been limiting 1 television per household. We could even give out one for the kids’ room, too,” he joked.A spokesman for the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, which oversees recycling programs, said residents who don’t live near Acton are encouraged to call their city or town’s recycling department. Most have contracts with outside companies that responsibly dismantle electronics, recycling as much as possible.HGRM is one of many charities in Massachusetts that will accept electronics and donate them to needy families. Copyright 2008 by TheBostonChannel.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
