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Environmental organizations like Greenpeace are used to provoking the ire of brand-loyal techies who take issue with any negative press about their favorite consumer electronics manufacturers (Apple fans are notorious for this). Its a dirty job, but somebody has to ask questions about the health and safety of the products found in a digital home.

New Greenpeace surveys called "Toxic tech: Not in our backyard" and "Searching for Green Electronics" take issue with the presence of PVC (polyvinyl chloride) and BFRs (brominated fire retardants) in all electronics, including flat panel televisions.

The organization singled out TV makers, and Phillips specifically, in its latest report:

"While most companies accept responsibility for recycling their own products, and are improving their recycling programs for consumers, several TV companies are dragging their feet on recycling with the majority offering no recycling for old TVs in many countries. Of the TV companies, Phillips stands out by publicly stating that recycling is the responsibility for the customer and government and consumers should pay for recycling, not the product makers. Behind the scenes Phillips lobbies to avert legislation to make companies more responsible for recycling their own products."

In its most recent "Guide to Greener Electronics" (see our previous coverage) Greenpeace gave Samsung top billing among TV-makers for removing PVC plastic from all new models of LCD panels and educating consumers about its own take-back recycling service. But, according to the organization, only 14% of discarded televisions ever make it to a recycling center.

The City of New York is trying to increase that proportion this month. In February the city council passed a bill that would fine New Yorkers $100 for discarding hazardous electronics incorrectly. Mayor Michael Bloomberg will either sign or veto the bill this week, but it could become law anyway, according to the New York Times. —Rachel Rosmarin

Greenpeace
The New York Times