Why Recycle Your Old CRTs?

Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) contain hazardous materials including up to 5 pounds of lead as well as trace amounts of mercury, cadmium, barium, and phosphorous. In 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the dumping of CRTs. When crushed and incinerated, a CRT can release deadly airborne particles into the atmosphere. If buried in a landfill, a CRT can release toxic materials that can leach into the soil and find their way into the water supply. By properly recycling your old CRTs, you can protect the environment and minimize your legal liabilities.

As a public service, CyberResearch has assembled a list of CRT recycling resources. Inclusion in this list does not constitute or imply any endorsement by CyberResearch, Inc. This list is subject to change at any time.

Department of Environmental Protection and other agencies that can advise you on recycling your CRTs:

National Recycling Coalition (NRC)

Providing a searchable database of recyclers, reuse organizations, and municipal programs that accept old electronic equipment.

www.nrc-recycle.org

Electronic Recylers by State: www.nrc-recycle.org/resources/electronics/search/getlisting.php

Electronics Recycling Programs and Policies by State: www.nrc-recycle.org/resources/electronics/policy.htm

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

US EPS fact sheet entitled "Electronics: A New Opportunity for Waste Prevention, Reuse, and Recycling." Provides an overview of the environmental and economic issues involved in the design, reuse and recycling of consumer waste.

www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/elec_fs.pdf (986 KB)

Donate Functioning Equipment:

Many schools, nursing homes, and other not-for-profit organizations accept donations of working CRTs, which may be tax deductible. Two organizations that act as clearinghouses to help you donate equipment are:

National Cristina Foundation: http://www.cristina.org/

PEP National Directory of Computer Recycling Programs: http://www.microweb.com/pepsite/Recycle/recycle_index.html

Also see www.google.com, "CRT recycling lists" for a more complete list of web-based recycling resources.