• Electronic equipment, appliances with printed circuit boards, may contain lead from solder, mercury in switches, lithium batteries, and heavy metals in the printed circuit boards.
• Cathode ray tubes (CRTs), including televisions and computer monitors, contain from 2 to 5 pounds of lead per unit.
• Do not attempt to dismantle CRTs without proper training; dangerous levels of high voltage are stored in CRTs for varying periods of time.
• Implosion may result from impact or improper disassembly procedure. An explosion follows the implosion.

 
Handling

• Store and handle in a manner that minimizes breakage, especially of CRTs.
• Do not attempt to dismantle CRTs without proper training; high voltage in the capacitor can discharge a lethal charge.

 
Management Options

• CRTs only were banned from Massachusetts disposal facilities effective April 1, 2000. For additional information, see the MassDEP electronics recycling page.
• Check your local Department of Public Works for instructions on municipal recycling collection programs. A state contract for electronics collection is available for municipalities and public sector agencies, titled FAC26. For a copy of the award notice, check the state procurement Web site. If you are not familiar with how the system works, see the instructions.
• If item is still functioning and usable, try to donate to a charity or non-profit group who may be able to use it.
• All other electronic devices, including computer processing units (CPUs), keyboards, stereos, VCRs and telephones may be accepted in scrap metal program or thrown in the trash if no electronics collection program is in place.
• If you have further questions, contact Stefan Malner at 617-348-4004 or stefan.malner@state.ma.us.