Suggestions for the most economically and environmentally sound way to recycle cathode ray tube (CRT) glass used in older televisions could win monetary awards, with the winning solutions being shared with manufacturers, retailers and recyclers in an effort to transform how lead-heavy glass is recycled or reused.
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have announced the “Cathode Ray Tube Challenge: New Uses for Recycled Glass.” Suggestions for the most economically and environmentally sound way to recycle cathode ray tube (CRT) glass used in older televisions could win USD 5,000, with four additional awards of USD 1,000 or more.
CEA and EDF will share the winning solutions with manufacturers, retailers and recyclers in an effort to transform how lead-heavy glass is recycled or reused.
CRT glass is no longer used, and has now become obsolete with the rise of liquid crystal and plasma displays. However, since it contains harmful lead, it cannot simply be recycled with other glass.
“The consumer electronics industry is committed to the mission of eCycling and this challenge has the potential for electronics recycling to take a giant step forward,” Walter Alcorn, vice president of environmental affairs and industry sustainability, CEA said in a statement. “We’re very excited about this Challenge and the innovative solutions it could yield.”