easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
220-1102 Practice Question: A technician is tasked with disposing of several…
A technician is tasked with disposing of several old CRT monitors from a client's office. What is the correct disposal method for these monitors?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that disassembling e-waste for recycling is acceptable for a technician, but the trap is that without proper training and equipment, disassembly of CRTs is dangerous and non-compliant with safety procedures.
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
✓
Take them to a certified e-waste recycling facility.
CRT monitors contain hazardous materials such as lead, phosphor, and other heavy metals that pose environmental and health risks. Certified e-waste recycling facilities are equipped to safely dismantle and process these components in compliance with environmental regulations like the EPA's Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). Option C is the correct disposal method because it ensures legal and environmentally responsible handling of e-waste.
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 regular office trash for pickup.
Why it's wrong here
Placing old CRT monitors in regular office trash is strictly prohibited due to their classification as hazardous waste. These devices contain significant amounts of lead in the glass, along with other heavy metals like cadmium and mercury in internal components and phosphors. Improper disposal in landfills allows these toxic substances to leach into soil and groundwater, posing severe environmental contamination risks and violating federal and state environmental protection regulations.
- ✗
Sell them to a scrap metal dealer.
Why it's wrong here
Selling CRT monitors to a general scrap metal dealer is inappropriate because these facilities are typically not equipped or certified to handle hazardous electronic waste. While some metallic components might be present, the primary concern with CRTs is the leaded glass and other toxic materials that require specialized processing. A scrap metal dealer lacks the necessary permits, de-manufacturing processes, and environmental controls to safely manage these regulated substances, leading to potential environmental non-compliance.
- ✓
Take them to a certified e-waste recycling facility.
Why this is correct
Taking old CRT monitors to a certified e-waste recycling facility is the correct and legally compliant method for disposal. These facilities possess the specialized equipment, trained personnel, and regulatory permits required to safely de-manufacture CRTs. They meticulously separate hazardous materials, such as leaded glass, mercury-containing components, and other heavy metals, ensuring they are processed or disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, preventing contamination and promoting material recovery.
- ✗
Disassemble them and recycle the plastic and metal separately.
Why it's wrong here
Disassembling CRT monitors without proper training, specialized tools, and personal protective equipment (PPE) is extremely dangerous and not recommended for a general technician. CRTs contain high-voltage capacitors that can retain a lethal charge even after being unplugged, and the vacuum tube itself can implode if mishandled. Furthermore, disassembly exposes individuals to lead dust from the glass and other toxic chemicals, necessitating professional handling by certified e-waste recyclers.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Virtualization and Client-Side
Key term
Compliance
Compliance is the process of ensuring that an organization follows laws, regulations, standards, and internal policies that apply to its operations and data handling.
Key term
General Data Protection Regulation
A European Union law that gives individuals control over their personal data and sets strict rules for how organizations collect, store, and process that data.
About these practice questions
This 220-1202 question is part of Courseiva's 495-question bank — original exam-style content with full explanations and wrong-answer analysis, never real exam questions or exam dumps. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 220-1202 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 220-1202 exam.