N.C. city switches to digital-only TV

WASHINGTON, Sept. 9 (UPI) -- Wilmington, N.C., has become the first U.S. city to switch to digital-only broadcasting, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced.

The EPA said it is encouraging Wilmington residents -- and others who own analog television sets and receive free broadcasts via rabbit ears or a roof-top antenna -- to extend the life of their television sets by connecting it to a digital converter box, preferably one that is Energy Star-qualified.

For those who choose to buy new televisions, the EPA recommends purchasing Energy Star-qualified sets. The EPA also urges consumers to recycle unwanted TVs, which allows for the recovery of valuable materials from the circuit boards, metal wiring, leaded glass and plastics.

Consumers who are interested in recycling old TVs can contact their local household hazardous waste collection and recycling program to find out whether they will be sponsoring an upcoming recycling event, the EPA said.

Last year, more than 20 million TVs were disposed of in the United States.