Electrical and IT Recycling Specialists, South West

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What is a Cathode Ray Tube?

A Cathode Ray Tube, known as “CRT”, is the main component in a television and computer monitors display unit (the screen). The CRT is a specialized vacuum tube in which images are produced when an electron beam strikes a phosphorescent surface. Phosphor screens using multiple beams of electrons have allowed CRTs to display millions of colors. The CRT appears in the unit as a funnel-shaped, leaded glass tube with a metal frame inside.

What happens during recycling

In line with our pro-active attitude to recycling, the recycling process we employ already exceeds legislation introduced in the WEEE Directive (January 2007). This legislation sets strict guidelines with regard to computer disposal and other waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Our aim is to remove the problems and stress associated with the control and retirement of redundant IT equipment. Providing our customers with piece of mind.

The CRT Recycling Process:

• Material is usually delivered to us in full loads, although we can collect by prior arrangement.
• Plastic back panels are removed, shredded and recycled into a ‘wood like material’ which has a number of uses.
• Cables, together with the power supply unit, electronic guns and metal castings are then sent for recycling.
• The 'clean' CRT unit is fed into the splitting machine which cuts along 'the frit' line using to separate the two types of glass. The shadow mask is also removed and sent for recycling.
• The 'phosphor' coating on the panel glass is removed (vacuum suction) into a filter unit. The two glass types are now separated ready for recycling.
• This is a high volume system which will allow over 70% material recovery for recycling in compliance with the WEEE Directive target for CRT's.

The process used by ARC breaks these monitors and televisions down into their pre-assembly components, separating the CRT first, before processing the other materials. The CRT is then sent down dedicated lines that break the tube down and separate a mixed leaded/unleaded glass cullet free from contaminants. Together with CRT Glass producers, this raw material has been improved to the point where it is suitable as feedstock for the production of new CRTs in a completely closed loop solution. The capacity of these facilities is 50.000 tons per year.

Recent research and development has commissioned a method to further refine this process to produce separated leaded and unleaded glass. This will further improve the quality and final useage of the cullet, further reducing the need for environmentally harmful strip mining and proving that recycling does work.

Why recycle or reuse Cathode Ray Tubes?

Recycling or reusing will:

• Prevent CRT Containing Devices From Becoming Hazardous Waste: Every CRT may contain several pounds of lead, which is classed as a toxic substance. When CRTs are broken or destroyed, such as when placed in landfills or incinerators, they release lead into the environment which is why they are classed as hazardous. Recycling diverts the release of lead into the environment.
• Save Valuable Landfill Space: CRT containing devices such as computer monitors and televisions are bulky items. More and more, devices are being prevented from landfill, with recycling the only realistic option