How to Recycle CRT Glass

CRT glass makes up the screens of almost all monitors and televisions.

CRT stands for cathode ray tube, the glass in the front of a television or computer monitor. The Environmental Protection Agency considers CRT glass too toxic to throw in a landfill once it is broken, because the glass contains lead. The lead in the glass could harm the environment, and so you must dispose of it carefully. Whether your CRT glass is broken or not, disposing of it safely will help keep the environment and groundwater safer and cleaner.

Things You'll Need

• Phone
• Rubber gloves
• Box
• Garbage bags
• Marker

Instructions

Unbroken CRT Glass

1. Wrap the glass in plastic bags or other packing material and put the wrapped glass in a cardboard box. Write "fragile," "handle with care" and "cathode ray tube" clearly on the box

2. Call your city or local recycling center for information on the best place to take the CRT glass. See Resources for a list of recycling centers nationally that accept CRT glass. They may be able to give you information on shipping it safely, or may arrange a pickup.

3. Take the CRT glass to the location suggested by your city or the recycling center. Pack the box very thoroughly so the glass doesn't break.

Broken CRT Glass

1. Use the rubber gloves to pick up all pieces and put them into triple-layered garbage bags. Put the bag into a box for easier storage and carrying. Keep children and pets away from the area and sweep or vacuum up any remaining pieces.

2. Call your city about the safe pickup and recycling of your broken CRT glass. Ask if you need to package the glass even more. See Resources for EPA-regulated CRT recyclers.

3. Request a pickup of the broken glass by the city or a CRT recycling center. They will usually make a pickup to keep the glass from breaking further.

Tips & Warnings

• If you're trying to recycle an entire computer monitor or television, take it to Staples or your city's recycling center. They may charge a small fee for processing and recycling a large or old piece of equipment.

References

• EPA: Easier Recycling of Cathode Ray Tubes

Resources

• EPA: Companies Approved to Export CRT for Recycling