EPA Regulations
Regulation of E-Waste by the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act

Small Quantities Exempt:
Businesses and other organizations that discard less than 100 kilograms (about 220 pounds) per month of hazardous waste (including used CRTs) are not regulated under most federal requirements. (These wastes must still go to a facility authorized to receive solid waste.)

Conditionally Exempt Small Quantity Generators:
Full Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste regulations do not apply to these businesses and other organizations that generate less than 100 kilograms (220 pounds) of hazardous waste per calendar month.

Large Quantities:
Wastes from facilities that generate over 100 kilograms (about 220 lb.) per month of hazardous waste are regulated under federal law when disposed. CRTs from such facilities sent for disposal must be manifested and sent as “hazardous waste” to a permitted hazardous waste landfill. CRTs sent for recycling from such facilities are also currently subject to Federal regulation; however, EPA is in the process of streamlining requirements to make it easier and less costly to send CRTs for recycling. A proposed rule was issued in June 2002 and public comments are under review. Any changes in regulation will take effect in 2004.

In the meantime, some states are addressing this issue, for example by handling these materials as universal waste, and thereby reducing the management requirements applicable to the recycling of CRTs. Therefore, organizations should consult their states.

In 1995, EPA promulgated the Universal Waste Rule to exempt certain widely generated wastes that contain hazardous materials, such as thermostats and fluorescent lamps, from having to meet all hazardous waste requirements under RCRA. By lowering administrative burdens, the rule is intended to reduce hazardous waste in municipal solid waste (MSW), encourage recycling and proper disposal of certain hazardous wastes, and reduce administrative and regulatory burdens for businesses that generate these wastes. The Universal Waste Rule currently includes hazardous waste batteries, certain agricultural pesticides, thermostats, and hazardous waste lamps. States that are authorized to implement the RCRA program may add other wastes to their Universal Waste Rule but a number of states are interpreting RCRA to not require the full hazardous waste requirements on CRTs. However, EPA is planning to add used CRTs from computers and television monitors to the federal Universal Waste Rule. In addition, EPA is currently developing a regulatory exemption for processed glass sent for CRT glass-to-glass recycling.