6.1 Million Old TVs and Computer Monitors Stockpiled in California

SACRAMENTO--Californians are storing more than 6 million potentially hazardous old televisions and computer monitors in their garages, closets and back bedrooms. According to a recent study commissioned by the California Integrated Waste Management Board, waste electronic products (E-waste) containing picture tubes--cathode ray tubes, or CRTs--are being stockpiled in ever-increasing numbers. The Board is the state's primary recycling agency and a part of the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

The study, conducted for the Waste Board by MGT of America, was designed to provide current data on selected E-waste volume, diversion cost estimates, and processing capacity for the year 2006. The study revealed that approximately 2.9 million TVs (74,000 tons) and 3.2 million computer monitors (48,000 tons) are stockpiled in California households. While CRT-containing products are safe as long as they are intact, they are banned from disposal in California landfills and must be properly recycled.

"E-waste has become an issue of national concern, as lead-containing CRTs enter the solid waste stream where they threaten public health and the environment," said Board Member Michael Paparian. "Until recently, little has been done to spur the reuse and recycling of these relics of the computer revolution. Given the results of this study, it is evident that we need to expand our existing E-waste infrastructure by working with local jurisdictions and private industry to implement strategies for the reuse and recycling of these materials."

Cathode ray tubes found in computer monitors and television sets contain 20 percent lead oxide by weight, averaging 5 to 8 pounds of lead per unit. Consequently, repair, recycling or disposal businesses that handle CRT-containing products must adhere to State regulations for the handling of these hazardous materials.

Because CRTs exceed both State and federal standards for hazardous wastes, they are banned from disposal in municipal solid waste landfills in California. In August 2001, Cal/EPA's Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) adopted emergency regulations reducing some hazardous waste requirements to make it easier to collect, store and recycle CRTs.

The study surveyed residents to determine the volume of materials they were storing, while processors were asked about processing capacity and diversion cost estimates within California.

Residential survey results indicated that 18.5 percent of California households stockpile their outdated televisions. Of those, 13 percent store one television, 3.9 percent store two, and 1.6 percent store three or more.

California households were also found to stockpile 19.4 percent of their defunct computer monitors. Of those documented, 13.9 percent were stockpiling one monitor, 2.7 percent were stockpiling two monitors, and 2.8 percent were stockpiling three or more computer monitors.

Primary processors who refurbish and repair electronic products and secondary processors who dismantle them for the recycling value of their components predict a lower than expected volume of CRT processing in 2006. This is due primarily to the already slim profitability of recycling TVs, and increasing handling and transportation costs.

The study anticipates a gap between the current processing capacity (both repair and recycling) and the projected volume of diverted CRTs in 2006. This capacity shortfall reflects a difference of thousands of tons of E-waste and millions of dollars in additional disposal costs to process that waste.

The study examined the current E-waste reuse and recycling infrastructure in California, and projected future diversion based on historical trends. It did not look at the costs or infrastructure needs for processing the estimated six million-plus CRTs in storage or the impact of DTSC's recent clarification of the CRT landfill ban. (www.dtsc.ca.gov)

In anticipation of continued increases in CRTs, Cal/EPA, through the Waste Board and DTSC, is participating in a national dialog on product stewardship. The dialog includes other states, manufacturers, recyclers and environmental groups. Participants hope to reach agreements on a system to maximize reuse and recycling, and minimize toxicity of electronic products.

In addition, the Waste Board is working to develop environmentally preferable product guidelines for electronic equipment. Designing for the environment is a common sense approach to the management of hazardous E-waste. Preferable product guidelines would have the effect of rewarding companies, who reduce life-cycle impacts; reduce product toxicity; incorporate design for disassembly, implement reuse and recycling models; increase use of recycled-content materials and provide models that incorporate design for environment goals.

For further information regarding the management of electronic products in California, visit the Waste Board's web site at: www.ciwmb.ca.gov/Electronics/. The full E-waste baseline study is available on line.

The six-member California Integrated Waste Management Board is responsible for protecting public health and safety and the environment through management of the estimated 66 million tons of solid waste generated in California each year. The Board works in partnership with local government, industry, and the public to reduce solid waste disposal and ensure environmentally safe landfills. California now diverts 42 percent of its solid waste away from disposal.

The Waste Board is one of six boards, departments, and offices within the California Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA).

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The energy challenge facing California is real. Every Californian needs to take immediate action to reduce energy consumption. For a list of simple ways you can reduce demand and cut your energy costs, Flex Your Power and visit our Web site at www.ciwmb.ca.gov.