What are the alternatives to the Nulife Glass process?
Option 1 - Exported leaded glass is used to make new CRT screens
This is described as 'glass to glass' or 'closed loop' recycling.
Whilst reuse is to be encouraged there are two formidable long-term problems:
- The sheer quantity of waste glass being generated is already higher than demand.
- The introduction of flat screen technology is creating a declining market for CRTs, leaving a glut of leaded glass that needs to be treated.
- The few remaining CRT manufacturing plants are located thousands of miles away from where the waste is generated.
Option 2 - Metal smelting
Using glass as a flux in metal smelting. Only a small amount of flux is required and global supply of CRT glass already greatly exceeds demand.
Option 3 - Disposal to hazardous landfill
- Many U.S. states do not have any hazardous landfill sites that can accept CRT glass
- Use of landfill prevents payment of recycling fees in some U.S. states
- Landfill prohibited for R2 and E-Steward registered companies where a recycling alternative is available
