Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) televisions used to be the gold standard in viewing technology. In it, a stream of electrons (a.k.a. the ray) is directed toward a heated cathode filament inside a vacuum glass tube. Once they hit a phosphor coated screen, the phosphor illuminates, thereby generating a picture on the television screen. Ah, but those days are almost behind us as new cutting edge technologies such as Plasma and LCD HDTVs continue to capture the ooohs and aaahs of couch potatoes everywhere. Plus the switch from analog to digital isn't helping matters any since consumers instinctually want the next best thing.
Oh, but there's a little problem -- all of those old fashioned CRT dinosaurs have got to go somewhere. Inevitably, unless the consumer is very conscientious (and green) by dropping their tv off at Best Buy, Office Depot, or Staples, chances are that they're going to take the path of least resistance by donning black from head to toe and giving their unit the heave-ho in the closest dumpster.
The good news is that Panasonic has just launched a new laser-aided recycling process that will enable them to process CRT televisions running through their facilities in about 2/3 the time. Normally, the two types of glass that are harvested from the front and back panels of each television are removed via a heated electrical wire, but it takes a great deal of time and effort to ensure that the materials aren't damaged. Now, their laser removal system will streamline the whole process while salvaging recyclable components in the most efficient way possible. So, please do the right thing and get your CRT to the closest facility...their job is a lot more challenging than yours!
Elizah Leigh
said on July 30, 2009