Why should we recycle cathode ray tube computer monitors and televisions?

Recycle CRTs because it's the right thing to do.

Most people know lead is a toxin. Lead damages the central nervous system, and children are particularly sensitive. Most people don't realize how much lead is in CRTs. Televisions and monitors can have 4-10 pounds of lead in them. (That's part of why they are so heavy.) According to the EPA eCycling FAQ, consumer electronics accounts for 40% of the lead in landfills. "The principal pathway of concern is lead leaching from landfills and contaminating drinking water supplies." "The lead might leach out under conditions typical of municipal landfills." Recycling the glass in CRTs also saves energy and conserves resources. By making sure your CRTs are recycled responsibly instead of dumped into landfills, you significantly reduce your load on the environment and decrease the heavy metals in your community's drinking water.

Recycle CRTs because it's the law.

Large quantities of CRTs are classified as hazardous waste by the federal government. An increasing number of states have forbidden dumping lead-filled CRTs in landfills. Municipalities, businesses, and in some cases individuals must find lead processors or licensed recyclers such as Ecoglass Recycling who will process the CRTs responsibly.