2Sustain

The leading provider of flat-panel HDTVs to the lodging industry, LG Electronics USA, Inc., and the nation’s leading recycler, Waste Management, Inc. have teamed up to offer the first ever recycling program for hotel television sets and computer monitors. The program is planned for launch in 2010.

“This program will encourage hotel operators to dispose of outdated electronics in an environmentally responsible manner,” says Teddy Hwang, president, LG Electronics USA. “(It) further supports LG’s global sustainability initiative that also encompasses energy conservation, reduction of hazardous substances and responsible product designs.”

Hotels everywhere are upgrading their rooms with energy-efficient, flat-panel TVs, so it’s great to see LG and Waste Management collaborating on a solution to responsibly dispose of all that waste. According to a press release, the hotel TVs and computer monitors collected under this program will be processed in an environmentally responsible manner at one of four regionally designated Waste Management recycling facilities that are ISO 14001 and 9001 certified to protect the local environment in those communities along with the people handling this waste. Waste Management is also committed to the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s R2 Standards for the management of electronic waste.

It’s also worth noting that this program is likely to help many hoteliers take that all-important first step towards “going green.” After all, when it comes to sustainability, the travel and leisure industry has been lagging far behind other sectors.  Maybe an initiative like this can jump start other programs?