Public awareness of the health and environmental threat posed by E-waste generally and CRTs specifically is virtually non-existent. Awareness of and access to recycling opportunities for this type of waste are extremely limited.
While the manufacturers and retailers of computers and televisions that utilize CRTs have been aware of the public health and environmental threat posed by their products for some time, they have been slow to accept responsibility or to offer meaningful solutions to address the problem.
Two states, California and Massachusetts, now ban computers in landfills. And some creative businesses have jumped in with alternatives — some of them very profitable.
Some computer companies — including Hewlett-Packard, IBM and Gateway — will take back used computers for a fee. Working equipment is donated to charitable organizations. The rest are cannibalized for parts or recyclable material.
In Framingham, Mass., Conigliaro Industries takes about 8 million pounds of plastic computer cases each year and grinds it up to make a highway patching material and building blocks made of a material like concrete, which they call “Plascrete.”
If it is not practical for you to find a certified recycler for your old computer or computer monitor, you can contact the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, AmVets, or other organization where you can donate the computer for resale or refurbishing. You might also contact school districts near you to see if they can use your computer. The following sites also have information about donating used computers:
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