Cathode Ray Tube Recycling Solution Creates New Use for Treated Glass

by | Sep 19, 2013

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cathode ray tubesMetals and electronics recycler Kuusakoski Recycling announced a partnership with solid and industrial waste and recycling services firm Peoria Disposal Company to process cathode ray tube (CRT) glass, boost CRT North American processing capacity and establish a new beneficial use for the treated glass as landfill Alternate Daily Cover (ADC).

The patent-pending KleanKover Recycling Solution, developed and permitted by Peoria Disposal Company (PDC), treats crushed CRT glass by stabilizing the lead contained therein to virtually prevent leaching

The companies say this costs Kuusakoski Recycling’s customers as much as 40% below current processing methods. Peoria Disposal Company’s Indian Creek landfill has been permitted to use the KleanKover as ADC to meet state daily cover regulations for municipal waste landfill operation. Using the treated glass as ADC offers an environmentally sound alternative to the use of virgin soil to meet daily cover regulations, Peoria says.

Kuusakoski has the ability to treat 50,000 tons of lead-containing CRT glass annually.

The US EPA estimates 43% of the e-waste stream consists of cathode ray tube (CRT) devices, including computer monitors and televisions. It projects that approximately seven million tons of CRT devices remain to be recovered in the US. Without affordable recycling options, recyclers and processors have begun stockpiling CRTs in their possession or sending them overseas where the final destination of the leaded glass is difficult to verify.

Currently, four North American CRT processing facilities handle approximately 128,000 tons of CRT glass annually, falling short of the estimated higher demand of 392,000 tons per year, according to PDC. The partnership between PDC and Kuusakoski brings an additional annual CRT leaded glass processing capacity of 50,000 tons to North America, as well as a second US facility. PDC’s existing permit holds the option to triple this capacity in the future.

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