![[logo] US EPA](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508192239im_/http://www.epa.gov/epafiles/images/logo_epaseal.gif){kind=logo}
Final Rules on Cathode Ray Tubes and Discarded Mercury-Containing Equipment
Key Links
Although they do not address the same materials, classifying mercury-containing equipment as universal waste and excluding cathode ray tubes from the definition of solid waste were proposed in the same action in 2003. In order to expedite the regulatory process, the actions were separated and each now stands alone.
- Frequent Questions
- Export Requirements in the CRT Final Rule
- Companies Approved to Export CRTs for Recycling
- Companies Exporting Cathode Ray Tubes for Reuse
Discarded Mercury-Containing Equipment Final Rule
You will need Adobe Reader to view some of the files on this page. See EPA's PDF page to learn more.
A cathode ray tube (CRT) is the glass video display component of an electronic device (usually a computer or television monitor). 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. EPA proposed this rule on June 12, 2002 (67 FR 40508).
Fact Sheet: Easier Recycling of Cathode Ray Tubes || Fact Sheet (PDF) (2 pp, 18K)
Federal Register Notice || Federal Register Notice (PDF) (108 pp, 230K) - July 28, 2006
The support materials for this rule and the public comments EPA received on the proposal are available for public review online, as explained below. Please note that final rule materials will not be available from Regulations.gov until the rule is published in the Federal Register
Supporting materials for this rule are available below.
To use Regulations.gov:
- Select Docket Search.
- Select "Environmental Protection Agency" from the Agency drop-down menu.
- In the Docket ID box, type in the docket number - EPA-HQ-RCRA-2004-0012 and press the "Submit" button to receive search results. Be patient; loading the documents takes time.
Export Requirements in the CRT Final Rule
Used CRTs (Broken and Intact) Exported for Recycling
Used CRTs exported for recycling must comply with requirements that are specified in detail in 40 CFR 261.39(a)(5). Below is a summary of these requirements. They are:
- Notify EPA (OECA) of an intended shipment 60 days before the shipment. Notification may cover exports extending over a 12-month or shorter period.
Notification must include contact info about the exporter and recycler, and an alternate recycler. It must also include a description of the recycling, frequency and rate of export, means of transport, total quantity of CRTs, and info about transit countries.
- OECA will notify the receiving country and transit countries. When the receiving country consents in writing to the receipt of the CRTs, OECA will forward the consent to the exporter. The exporter may not ship the CRTs until he receives the consent.
- If the receiving country does not consent or withdraws a prior consent, EPA will notify the exporter in writing. Exporters must keep copies of notifications and consents for three years following receipt of the consent.
- Consent is not required from transit countries, but EPA will notify the exporter of any responses from these countries.
CRT Glass Exported for Recycling
- Processed glass (i.e., CRT glass that has been sorted) is not subject to export requirements. Unsorted glass would be considered a “broken CRT” and would be subject to export requirements.
Used Intact CRTs Exported for Reuse
- Persons who export used, intact CRTs for reuse must submit a one-time notification to the appropriate EPA Region with contact info and a statement that they are exporting the CRTs for reuse (see 40 CFR 261.41). They must keep copies of normal business records demonstrating that each shipment will be reused. Records must be retained for three years.
Unused Intact CRTs Exported for Reuse or Recycling
- No regulatory requirements - these are considered commercial products or commercial chemical products being reclaimed.
Discarded Mercury-Containing Equipment Final Rule
This final rule adds mercury-containing equipment to the federal list of universal wastes regulated under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste regulations. Handlers of universal wastes are subject to less stringent standards for storing, transporting, and collecting these wastes. EPA has concluded that regulating spent mercury-containing equipment as a universal waste will lead to better management of this equipment and will facilitate compliance with hazardous waste requirements.
Fact
Sheet: Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment Classified as Universal Waste
|| Fact Sheet (PDF) (1 pg, 10K)
Supporting materials for this rule are available below.
To use Regulations.gov:
- Select Docket Search.
- Select "Environmental Protection Agency" from the Agency drop-down menu.
- In the Docket ID box, type in the docket number - EPA-HQ-RCRA-2004-0012 and press the "Submit" button to receive search results. Be patient; loading the documents takes time.
