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Regulation of Cathode Ray Tubes
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A cathode ray tube (CRT) is the glass video display component of an electronic device (usually a computer or television monitor). CRT funnel glass generally contains high enough concentrations of lead that the glass is regulated as hazardous waste when disposed.
In 2006, EPA amended its regulations to streamline management requirements for recycling of used CRTs and glass removed from CRTs. The amendments excluded these materials from the RCRA definition of solid waste, if certain conditions are met. [40 CFR 261.4(a)(22)]. On June 18, 2014, EPA finalized revisions to the export provisions of the 2006 CRT final rule.
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.
- Resources
- Current Understanding of the CRT Landscape by the Electronics Recycling Community, September 2014 (PDF) (1 pp, 427 KB)
- Meeting Notes from Sustainable Materials Management Electronics Recycling and Reuse Forum, September 2014 (PDF) (28 pp, 1.74 MB)
- Meeting Notes from U.S. EPA Meeting on CRTs and End-of-Life Electronics at E-Scrap Conference, October 2014 (PDF) (6 pp, 634 KB)
- EPA Letter Regarding the Use of CRT Glass as a Substitute for Lead Oxide in the Production of Ceramic Tiles (PDF) (4 pp, 1.16 MB)
- EPA Letter Regarding the Regulation of CRT Glass When Used as Alternative Daily Cover (ADC) (PDF) (4 pp, 1.17 MB)
- Frequent Questions: Regulation of Used CRTs and CRT Glass
- EPA Letter Regarding Applicability of RCRA Regulations to CRT Glass Recycling Process
- EPA Letter Regarding Status of CRT Processed Glass Sent to Copper Smelters
- EPA Letter Regarding Status of CRT Processed Glass
- Export of CRTs
- Rulemaking History
Rulemaking History
2014 Final Rule
EPA finalized a rule that revises certain export provisions of the 2006 CRT final rule. These changes will allow the Agency to obtain additional information to better track exports of CRTs for reuse and recycling in order to ensure safe management of these materials.
- Federal Register Notice (PDF) (12 pp, 277 K) - June 26, 2014
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pg, 196 K)
2012 Proposed Rule
EPA proposed a rule to revise export provisions of the 2006 CRT final rule. These proposed changes will allow the Agency to obtain additional information on the export of used CRTs to ensure that they are managed in compliance with the regulations. CRT glass contains a significant amount of lead and must be recycled under safe conditions, which hasn't always occurred in developing countries.
- Federal Register Notice – March 15, 2012
- Fact Sheet (PDF) (3pp, 45 K)
The support materials for this rule and the public comments EPA received on the proposal are available for public review online Docket EPA-HQ-RCRA-2011-1014.
2006 Final Rule
This final rule streamlines management requirements for recycling of used CRTs and glass removed from CRTs under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). The amendments exclude these materials from the RCRA definition of solid waste if certain conditions are met. The rule is intended to encourage recycling and reuse of used CRTs and CRT glass.
- Federal Register Notice (PDF) (23 pp, 542K)- July 28, 2006
- Frequent Questions
- Fact Sheet: Easier Recycling of Cathode Ray Tubes || Fact Sheet (PDF) (2 pp, 18K)
The support materials for this rule are available for public review online Docket EPA-HQ-RCRA-2004-0010.
2002 Proposed Rule
EPA proposed an exclusion from the definition of solid waste which would streamline RCRA management requirements for used CRTs and glass removed from CRTs sent for recycling. In today’s notice, the Agency also clarifies the status of used CRTs sent for reuse. (EPA also proposed streamlining management requirements for used mercury-containing equipment by adding it to the federal list of universal wastes; these proposals were separated into two final rules).
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Federal Register Notice (PDF) (21 pp, 239 K) - June 12, 2002
The support materials for this rule and the public comments EPA received on the proposal are available for public review online Docket EPA-HQ-RCRA-2002-0013.