&EPA Fact Sheet United States Environmental Protection Agency March 2012 EPA530-F-12-001 www.epa.gov/wastes Proposed Rule: Revisions to the Export Provisions of the Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) Rule • EPA is proposing a rule to revise export provisions of the cathode ray tube (CRT) final rule published in 2006. • These proposed changes will allow the Agency to obtain additional information on the export of used CRTs to ensure that they are managed in compliance with the regulations. • The changes were recommended by the Interagency Task Force on Electronics Stewardship in its report titled National Strategy for Electronics Stewardship (July 20, 2011). • CRT is the glass video display component of an electronic device (usually a computer or television monitor). CRT glass contains a significant amount of lead and must be recycled under safe conditions, which hasn't always occurred in developing countries. • Comments on this proposal should be submitted by: • For more information about this rulemaking, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/wastes/hazard/recycling/electron/ The principal changes proposed are: Definition of "CRTExporter" When CRTs are exported for recycling or reuse, several parties may be involved in the transaction, including brokers. To clarify the liabilities of these parties, we are proposing a definition of "CRT exporter" that includes any intermediaries arranging for the export. Notice for CRTs Exported for Reuse Some CRTs ostensibly exported for reuse are actually disassembled and recycled when they reach the receiving country, occasionally under unsafe conditions. To address the issue of purported reuse, we are proposing to add information items to the current reuse notice. Instead of the current one-time notice, we are also proposing to require that reuse notices be submitted to cover a twelve month period or shorter. In addition, we are ------- proposing to require that the exporter sign a certification that the CRTs are fully functioning or capable of being functional after refurbishment. Annual Reports for CRTs Exported for Recycling We are proposing to require exporters of CRTs for recycling to submit an annual report documenting the actual numbers of CRTs exported during the previous calendar year. This information would enable EPA to provide receiving countries with information that may help them to determine the quantity of CRTs that were received in a particular country for recycling. Similar annual reports are already required for exporters of hazardous waste, spent lead-acid batteries, and universal waste. ------- ------- |