CRT recycling challenge offers cash

What is the most economically and environmentally sound way to recycle cathode ray tube (CRT) glass used in older televisions?



If you have a good answer, you could win $5,000. The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) have announced the “Cathode Ray Tube Challenge: New Uses for Recycled Glass.”


Through Dec. 14, you can submit your solutions for a chance to win. In addition to the $5,000 grand prize, four additional solutions are eligible for awards of $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 was standard technology for TVs and monitors during the 20th century, and has now become obsolete with the rise of  liquid crystal and plasma displays. 



Because the glass is no longer used, the recycling market has also gone along with it. But since CRT 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.”

For more information, or to submit a solution visit the Innocentive website.

* Kristy Hessman, EarthTechling