Listening Live to the Consumer Electronics + EPA + ISRI Conference Call on CRT Glass

It's slowly coming across.

1)  Is there a risk?  

The concept of "speculative accumulation" was created because, while commodity status can be used to keep waste regulators at bay, there is a risk that the material is bound to become waste.  When it's a very expensive to manage and dispose-of material (say radioactive waste, or highly toxic mercury), there needs to be an avenue for regulators to step in if it's a disaster in the making.

However, what if there is no risk?  Steel and scrap paper are accumulated, copper is accumulated, gold speculation is rampant.   I have a television here in the house I don't watch much... I'm speculating it may be an antique someday and I'd like to keep it.

The TCLP test was misapplied to begin with.  CRT glass has vitrified lead, lead that does not leach out.  It's like the lead in leaded glass cyrstal.  There is no risk to it.

2)  By regulating it as if it's a risk, are we scaring away markets?

Absolutely.   The silicate and lead are positive revenue materials, and there are dozens of smelters which would accept these commodities if they were offered on the basis of their chemical properties.

The mis-application of the CRT Rule has created a false need for assurance.

3) Have we hobbled CRT cullet with rules that mined material doesn't have to follow?

You got it.

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