More Trash: TV Switch to digital may clog landfills

The switch from analog to digital television in February could bring problems beyond new costs to consumers: clogged landfills and pollution from old televisions.

Consumers expect to dispose of 43.5 million television sets by the end of this year and nearly 120 million through 2010, according to a survey by the Consumer Electronics Association, which represents manufacturers.

The deluge of garbage has prompted a handful of states to consider legislation to deal with the hazardous byproducts, and Congress is starting to get into the act by considering federal legislation to address the problem. The cast-off of outmoded televisions already has begun with the arrival of high-definition and flat-screen TVs.

This means more problems for trash haulers.