UK's recycling industry raises concerns over CRT exports to Netherlands

LONDON (Scrap Monster): An association of Cathode Ray Tubes (CRTs) recyclers in the UK has urged the UK Environment Agency (EA) to prevent bulk exports of CRTs to Netherlands-based Jansen BV. The exports have caused harm to domestic recycling sector in the UK, the group complained.

According to the group which includes major players like Environcom and SWEEEP Kuusakoski, the exports pose a threat to the huge investments made by the UK recycling sector. Moreover, the group argues that the recycling techniques and standards followed by Jansen are substandard to the UK quality standards. The UK recycling law states that CRT glasses should be treated using best available recycling techniques.

The Dutch recycler uses the CRT glasses in construction of a product named Legioblock-a concrete construction block. It claims that Legiblocks conform to European standards as prescribed by the guidelines.

Meantime, the EA authorities refused to revoke the export permit, claiming that the claims made by the domestic recyclers are inaccurate. Legioblocks does not fall under the UK waste law regulations as it is a completely transformed product. Moreover, the recycling facility operates under the strict scrutiny of Dutch authorities, which implies that it adheres to stipulated standards.