A green way to rage against gambling machines

Good for the media cameras, bad for the air we breathe.

While lauding local governments for their antiillegal gambling campaigns, an environmental watchdog cautioned them against the public, open-air destruction of confiscated “video karera” machines, saying the usual practice of smashing their TV components to pieces releases toxic chemicals.

The EcoWaste Coalition cited as the latest example the disposal of 17 machines using a sledgehammer at the Muntinlupa City Hall grounds on Monday, an activity led by Mayor Jaime Fresnedi.

“Authorities need to shun the usual practice of breaking up TV sets (like that),” said Thony Dizon, coordinator of the EcoWaste’s Project Protect. “Breaking TV sets with sledgehammers disperses lead-containing glass fragments and shards into the surroundings, posing health risks.”

Analog TVs used in video karera machines contain “various chemicals of concern” in large quantities, like lead, brominated flame retardants, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper and mercury, Dizon said.

“This is why waste consumer electronics, including TVs, are categorized as special waste under the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and must be managed in an environmentally sound manner as hazardous waste,” he said in a statement.

Local officials are advised to send such confiscated machines and similar items for disposal to government-accredited recycling companies that can disassemble electronic waste in controlled conditions. Jaymee T. Gamil