The attached environmental regulatory alert is provided for your information from the Department of Commerce environmental manager. This alert provides information about a change in environmental law that may impact your operation. mailto:pwixted@doc.gov

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REGULATORY ALERT #2003-0001 New CRT Rule

General: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) established a new rule for recycling cathode ray tubes (CRTs) affecting all Department of Commerce functions located in EPA Region III States (Delaware, Maryland, and West Virginia, the Commonwealths of Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the District of Columbia). Effective on February 24, 2003, CRTs sent for recycling are excluded from the definition of solid waste in EPA Region III States provided specific requirements are met for broken CRTs.

Background: CRTs are the glass vacuum tubes that make up the video display of televisions and computer monitors. The specialized glass in CRTs may contain lead at a quantity sufficient to make a discarded television or computer monitor a hazardous waste under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). If classified as a hazardous waste, CRTs are then subject to the hazardous waste regulations of RCRA Subtitle C unless they come from a household or a conditionally exempt small quantity generator. RCRA defines a hazardous waste as being a solid waste with specific characteristics. Under this new rule, CRTs destined for recycling will no longer be classified as solid waste, then by definition under RCRA, they cannot be a hazardous waste. Department of Commerce functions should send unneeded CRTs for recycling or reuse rather than disposal. This action not only saves natural resources but exempts us from the requirements of RCRA.

Key Requirements: In order to take advantage of this new rule, Departmental functions must adhere to the following:

• Broken CRTs destined for recycling or reuse must be stored and transported in an appropriate container. EPA defines an appropriate container as one which when filled and closed, minimizes the release of CRT glass to the environment.

• Each container must be marked with one of the following phrases: ‘‘Waste cathode ray tube(s)—contains leaded glass,’’ or ‘‘Used cathode ray tube(s)—contains leaded glass.’’ It must also be labeled or marked: ‘‘Do not mix with other glass materials.’’

• Containers with broken CRTs must not be stored outdoors. Store them in an enclosed building.

• Intact CRTs destined for recycling do not need any markings. Take proper precautions when handling intact CRTs to prevent breaking the glass.

Additional Information: A complete version of the new CRT rule is available at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WASTE/2002/December/Day-26/. If you have any questions or concerns about this matter, please contact Peter Wixted , DoC Environmental Manager, at (202) 482-3444, or via e-mail pwixted@doc.gov.