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220-1202 Practice Question: A small office wants to dispose of 20 old CRT…
A small office wants to dispose of 20 old CRT monitors. The local landfill does not accept e-waste. Which disposal method is both legal and environmentally responsible?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that recycling bins or scrap dealers are acceptable for e-waste, when in fact only certified e-waste recyclers can legally and safely handle hazardous materials like those in CRTs.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Contact a certified e-waste recycling company to pick them up.
CRT monitors contain hazardous materials like lead and phosphor, making them e-waste that cannot be disposed of in regular trash. Certified e-waste recycling companies follow environmental regulations to safely dismantle and recycle these components, ensuring legal compliance and responsible handling.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Place them in the dumpster behind the office after hours.
Why it's wrong here
Placing old CRT monitors in a regular dumpster is illegal and environmentally irresponsible. These devices contain hazardous materials like lead (in the glass), cadmium, and mercury, which are toxic. When landfilled, these heavy metals can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating ecosystems and posing significant health risks. Federal, state, and local regulations prohibit the disposal of e-waste in general waste streams.
- ✓
Contact a certified e-waste recycling company to pick them up.
Why this is correct
Contacting a certified e-waste recycling company is the correct and most responsible method for disposing of old CRT monitors. Certified recyclers (e.g., R2 or e-Stewards certified) possess the specialized equipment, permits, and trained personnel required to safely dismantle electronic waste. They ensure hazardous components, such as leaded glass, are properly separated and neutralized, while valuable materials like copper, plastics, and precious metals are recovered and recycled, minimizing environmental impact and ensuring regulatory compliance.
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Break them down and put the plastic and metal in separate recycling bins.
Why it's wrong here
Breaking down CRT monitors and attempting to separate components for general recycling is extremely dangerous and ineffective. CRTs operate under a vacuum, and breaking the glass can cause an implosion, releasing fine leaded glass dust and exposing individuals to lead and other heavy metals. Furthermore, the lead is integrated into the glass itself, not merely a coating, meaning standard recycling bins cannot properly process these hazardous materials.
- ✗
Sell them to a scrap metal dealer.
Why it's wrong here
Selling old CRT monitors to a scrap metal dealer is an inappropriate disposal method because these dealers are not equipped to handle hazardous electronic waste. Scrap metal facilities are designed to process bulk ferrous and non-ferrous metals, lacking the specialized permits, equipment, and expertise required for the safe dismantling and separation of toxic components found in CRTs, such as leaded glass. This approach would likely lead to improper disposal and potential regulatory violations.
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