Information on Recycling
Computer Monitors and Television
Sets (Cathode Ray Tubes)

The information on this page is tailored to Massachusetts businesses and institutions only. Municipalities and private residents should view the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) Web page for TV and Computer Reuse and Recycling: http://www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/crt/crthome.htm

Page Contents:

What is a Cathode Ray Tube?
Massachusetts Laws and Regulations
Benefits of Recycling/Reusing
Computer Monitor/Television Set Recycling Tips
Donation Information
Computer Monitor/Television Set Recyclers Listing
Associated Links

What is a Cathode Ray Tube?

A Cathode Ray Tube, abbreviated “CRT”, is the main component in a television and computer monitors display unit. The CRT is a specialized vacuum tube in which images are produced when an electron beam strikes a phosphorescent surface. Phosphor screens using multiple beams of electrons have allowed CRTs to display millions of colors.  The CRT appears in the unit as a funnel-shaped, leaded glass tube with a metal frame inside. CRT’s may contain several pounds of lead, which is a toxic substance.

BACK TO THE TOP

Massachusetts Laws and Regulations

Effective April 1, 2000 Massachusetts imposed a ban on the disposal, incineration, or transfer for disposal, of Cathode Ray Tubes at a solid waste disposal facility.

For a detailed description of the rules and regulations pertaining to the CRT waste ban, visit the MA Department of Environmental Protection’s Web page for TV and Computer Reuse and Recycling: http://www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/crt/crthome.htm

BACK TO THE TOP

What are the Benefits of Recycling or Reusing Cathode Ray Tubes?

Recycling or reusing will:

• Prevent CRT Containing Devices From Becoming Hazardous Waste: CRT’s may contain several pounds of lead, which is a toxic substance. When CRTs are broken or destroyed, such as when placed in landfills or incinerators, they release lead into the environment thus making them a hazardous material. Recycling diverts the release of lead into the environment.

• Save Valuable Landfill Space: CRT containing devices such as computer monitors and televisions are bulky items. The disposal of these devices can drive up the rate at which landfills will reach their capacity.

• Reduce the Need for Strip Mining: when recycled, television sets and computer monitors can be used as a source of lead as well as precious metals found in circuit boards, power supplies, and the like.
  

BACK TO THE TOP

Computer Monitor and Television Set Recycling Tips:

1. Donate Your Equipment: If your organization wants to remove a working monitor, or a whole computer unit (that's not too old, usually a 486 or higher), you may be able donate it. By donating your equipment you can avoid disposal fees and may receive a tax break. More so, you will be helping people or organizations who could really use your old equipment. Information on computer equipment donations is available on WasteCap's Computer Recycling Information Web Page (www.wastecap.org/wastecap/commodities/computers/computers.htm).

2. Recycle Whole Computer Units that Cannot be Donated: If your organization has a whole computer unit(s) to dispose, there are more computer/electronic recycling/ reuse services available than CRT recycling services. View the Recycling Services Directory.

3. Television Sets or Computer Monitors Only: If you have a monitor(s), without the accompanying computer components, or a television set(s) to recycle, then consult the list of CRT recycling/reuse services below. Be prepared to pay a fee. Depending on quantity, costs can range from $3.00 to $35.00 per monitor or television plus a possible transportation charge for "pick-ups".
   
   A) Drop Off CRTs at a Recycling Facility: If your organization is located close enough
        to a CRT recycling/reuse facility,"dropping-off" the CRTs at the facility is likely to be
        the cheapest option. Avoiding the hauling fee can bring your disposal expenses    
        down. Facilities that accept "drop-offs" are noted in the CRT Recycling/Reuse
        Services chart on this page.
   
   B) Have the CRTs Picked Up: Due to high volumes of CRTs, or an inconvenient
        distance from a recycling facility, "dropping-off" may not be an option. In this case,
        haulers will remove the material away from your location. Be prepared to pay an
        additional transportation charge for this service. Facilities that will "pick up" CRTs
        are noted in the CRT Recycling/Reuse Services chart on this page.
        
         If you go this route, formulate a cost effective way to dispose of your CRTs.
         Many times having a hauler "pick-up" one or two CRT units can be very expensive
         due to the hauling fee. If possible, store your unwanted CRTs until you have a cost-
         effective amount to be removed. Also, many recyclers prefer to remove only large
         quantities.
   
   C) Recycle by Mail: If your organization is located a great distance away from CRT
        haulers in the state, there are services that take CRTs in the mail. Don't be
        discouraged by mail-in services.  Depending on the quantity of your units, you may
        find that it is cost comparative to your other options. Facilities that accept "Mail-ins "
        are noted in the CRT Recycling/Reuse Services chart on this page.
   

BACK TO THE TOP

Donation Information

Computer Monitor and Television Set (Cathode Ray Tubes) Recyclers Listing:

The company listing below does not constitute or imply endorsement by WasteCap Of Massachusetts. The list below includes companies that receive CRT containing devices (computer monitors and televisions) for  recycling and/or reuse. All companies listed below service regions in Massachusetts.

The regions of Massachusetts that recycling vendors serve are noted in the vendor listing as follows: NE = Northeastern (Essex county), E = Eastern (Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk counties), SE = Southeastern (Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Plymouth counties),
C = Central (Worcester county), W = Western (Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire counties

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Recycling/Reuse Services* Available to Massachusetts Businesses and Institutions

^1. Must be a customer of BFI Tyngsboro
^2. Does not accept television sets. Only accepts large quantities (100 or more) preferably in working         
     condition
^3. Minimum pick-up of $250.00 worth of units. Call for details.
^4. Most feasible for larger businesses in MA (50 or more monitors at a time)
^5. Does not accept television sets. Minimum of 20 monitors.
^6. Does not accept television sets. Prices depend on the market value of the monitor and operating
    condition
^7. Need appointment, call to make pick-up or drop-off arrangements.

* The above recycling/reuse services may not be limited to CRTs only. Call the service for details.

This free listing is available to any company that services Massachusetts in CRT recycling or reuse. To be added to this list contact WasteCap by e-mail at wastecap@wastecap.org

BACK TO THE TOP

Associated Links: 

Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) WasteWise Program Publication Page

WasteWise is a free, voluntary, EPA program through which U.S. organizations eliminate costly municipal solid waste, benefiting their bottom line and the environment.
This link connects to their publication page, which contains an informative periodical (available to download) on electronics reuse and recycling

The Consumer Education Initiative
http://www.eiae.org/

The Consumer Education Initiative is a web-based information resource that provides consumers and others with information on recycling and reuse opportunities for used electronics.

BACK TO THE TOP

Return to the WasteCap
Home Page

WasteCap of Massachusetts
68 Hopkinton Road
Westboro, MA 01581

Phone: 781-679-2176
 Fax: 978-703-1285
wastecap@wastecap.org