Local Enforcement Agency Correspondence

Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Emergency Regulations

Date: August 16, 2001

Cal/EPA’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has issued emergency regulations classifying cathode ray tubes (CRT), which are found in computer monitors, televisions, and other electronic devices, as Universal Wastes. It is our understanding of the Universal Waste rules that this action generally should improve the climate for collection and recycling activities for CRTs. Disposing of CRTs in the trash or in a municipal solid waste landfill is still prohibited. The emergency regulations facilitate the collection and recycling of CRTs by streamlining the hazardous waste management requirements.

To learn more about the DTSC program please visit their web site.

The California Integrated Waste Management Board continues to build its Electronic Product Management Web site at http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Electronics/ to offer current information on developing e-waste issues. I encourage you to refer to the site regularly to stay abreast of this quickly evolving topic, as well as a source for referring individuals, schools, local agencies and businesses to electronics product/CRT recyclers. A list of electronics reuse and recycling organizations can be found at http://www.calrecycle.ca.gov/Reuse/Links/Computer.htm.

If you have any questions about the emergency regulations, please contact Charles Corcoran at DTSC, (916) 327-4499. If you have any additions to or suggestions for improving the Waste Board’s Electronic Product Management Web site, contact Terri Cronin at (916) 341-6618.

The goal of the new regulations is to keep CRTs out of landfills and increase reuse and recycling.  You play an important role in achieving compliance and informing your customers about these new regulations.

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