Bell Block and Taranaki residents wanting to get rid of their old TV for $5 in time for the digital upgrade will have to act quickly – the low fee applies only to a capped number of sets. The Ministry for the Environment granted Bell Block based Whitaker Civil Engineering a TV quota of 3348, 416 to the Stratford District Council and 1214 to Egmont Refuse and Recycling. STDC communications adviser Rachael Murphy said the cost of recycling a TV at Egmont Refuse and Recycling would revert to its original price of $25 once the quota has been reached. “We may consider extending the subsidy on the quota, depending on the demand.” All three Taranaki recycling sites will start accepting old TVs on August 24th 2013. TRC waste minimisation officer Nicolette West said the lead, mercury and cadmium in TVs could be harmful if released into soil and waterways. “Safe recycling of old televisions reduces the risk of contamination and the amount of waste going into landfill,” Mrs West said. Bell Block Residents have until September 29th 2013 to get ready for the switchover.
