Queenstown has one of six new ''TV TakeBack'' drop-off sites to open in Central Otago this week, with residents expected to take advantage of the opportunity to recycle their old televisions, for $5.
The six RCN e-Cycle sites will complement the TV TakeBack retailers who have already started collecting TVs in Central Otago for recycling. RCN e-Cycle was one of the organisations working in partnership with the Government to launch TV TakeBack, and was also working with councils and community recyclers.
Otago RCN e-Cycle spokesperson Sue Coutts said its sites would start taking televisions for $5 tomorrow.
''You'll feel twice as good recycling your TV as part of TV TakeBack,'' Ms Coutts said.
''lt's a one-off opportunity to save money at the same time as doing the right thing. By recycling ... you will be helping to protect both our beautiful ... environment and the health of future generations.''
The normal cost of safe TV recycling in Central Otago was $25. Under TV TakeBack, the Government will fund 80% of the cost, Ms Coutts said.
She encouraged people to get in quickly: ''The RCN e-Cycle sites have been given a quota for each area by the Government and once we meet the quota, the price will have to go back up to $25.''
Sophie Mander, Waste Minimisation officer for the Central Otago District Council, said it was committed to helping TV TakeBack reach some of the smaller communities in their area.
''TVs contain materials like lead which can leach into soil and water and have harmful effects on the environment and human health,'' Ms Mander said.
''Recycling TVs makes sure hazardous materials are dealt with safely and it also means that materials such as copper, steel and glass can be retrieved to be used again.''
The Central Otago RCN e-Cycle depot for TV TakeBack is in the Queenstown Transfer Station, in Glenda Dr, Frankton.
