The Basel Action Network has released a survey that is aimed to highlight the recycling of glass from CRT monitors. The group notes that the survey raises a number of questions on the practice of handling and processing leaded glass from cathode ray tubes.
BAN noted that due to the cost of handling electronic waste in the United States, as well as the difficult market for manufacturing new CRTs in the United States, there is a greater incentive to ship the material overseas, rather than paying someone to dispose of the material properly in the United States.
BAN remains concerned that possibly thousands of tons of this regulated waste are exported every year, likely in violation of the laws of importing nations, and moreover being processed in sub-standard operations without adequate infrastructure to safeguard human health and the environment. At the same time there are a number of U.S. companies that are acting responsibly by properly handling CRT glass, and keeping it in the US or in OECD countries.
With the recent announcement of the closure of Techneglas, one of the last CRT manufacturers in the US, the incentive to export may increase. But as it stands now, cullet is illegal to be imported by a Basel Party from the US, unless these importers are members of the Organization for Economic and Cooperative Development.
In order to bring more visibility to this significant hazardous waste problem, BAN sent out a total of 21 letters to various CRT recyclers this past spring, making clear our intention to publicize the results and/or the lack of response (survey letter below). We sought a sample representing a wide range of existing CRT recyclers, and requested the following information: 1) The total amount (by weight) of TVs and computers collected in 2003, and 2) The total amount of CRT glass (by weight) sent for recycling in the same year. An optional question was also asked pertaining to the exact destination(s) of the recycled glass, but in order to increase participation in this initial effort, responses were voluntary and not verified. Out of 21 letters sent, a total of 14 responses (or partial responses) were received from those wishing to participate. The 7 companies that did not respond were given a follow-up phone call and offered another opportunity to respond prior to an extended deadline.
BAN intends to survey CRT recyclers again next year, this time asking for and verifying exact downstream processors for the leaded glass. We urge more companies to participate in future surveys, and commend those who responded to this one. Comments or questions can be sent to swestervelt@ban.org.