BEST PRACTICES

The proliferation of consumer electronics - think of video games, boom boxes, computers, and similar equipment - has led to electronics waste becoming one of the fastest growing waste streams in America. From an environmental perspective, this is important because most electronic appliances contain hazardous materials, such as lead, mercury, or hexavalent chromium.

Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) in particular contain large quantities of lead, in some cases up to eight pounds of lead in a single CRT. This fact has led EPA recently to propose that CRTs be treated as Universal Waste, which is hoped to increase reuse and recycling of these products.

One of the best management practices for reducing the environmental impact of electronics waste is to buy “greener” electronic products. Reusing and recycling electronics is another way to reduce waste generation. When purchasing new electronics, look for models that:

• Are energy-sufficient (e.g. show the “Energy Star” label)
• Are designed for easy upgrading or disassembly
• Use minimal packaging
• Offer leasing or “take back” options
• Have been recognized by independent certification groups as environmentally preferable
• Are made with fewer toxic constituents
• Use recycled content

If you are interested in recycling used computer monitors or television screens (both of which contain cathode ray tubes), consider the following options:

• Contact your town/city hall to inquire about their recycling program.
• Contact a nearby electronics retailer, TV repair shop or electronics recycling company to see if they accept computer monitors and televisions sets for recycling.
• Consider donating your computer or television.