CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)

Last updated: 4 April 2026

CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) refers to the glass display technology used in older televisions and monitors.

Last reviewed by Marcus Williams on 23 March 2026

A CRT is essentially a vacuum tube that uses an electron beam to light up phosphor dots on its screen. These tubes were common until the early 2000s when LCD and plasma screens started taking over. CRT TVs and monitors are bulky but offered excellent picture quality for their time. They're made of heavy glass encased in metal, which isn't just inconvenient-it's hazardous too.

Inside a CRT is about four to eight pounds of lead, depending on the model. This makes recycling them tricky because the lead can't be left behind in landfills. If not handled properly, this heavy metal could leak into groundwater and soil, causing serious environmental damage. So, when it comes time to dispose of an old CRT TV or monitor, you need to find a recycler who knows how to safely break down these devices.

According to the UNEP, A single tonne of circuit boards contains 40-800 times more gold than a tonne of ore.

For example, say your local recycling centre offers e-waste pickup day every September. On that day, they'll take all sorts of electronics but specifically ask for CRTs to be separated from other types of monitors and TVs. This allows them to send the CRTs off to specialized facilities where the lead can be safely removed and reused.

It matters because improperly disposing of a CRT could break environmental regulations in your area. If you're caught dumping an old TV or monitor, you might face hefty fines. Plus, many businesses have strict guidelines about proper e-waste disposal to avoid legal trouble and maintain good environmental practices.

When dealing with CRTs, it's wise to look into related terms like "e-waste" and "electronic recycling." These concepts cover the broader scope of safely getting rid of outdated tech, including batteries, cell phones, and other gadgets. At CRT (Cathode Ray Tube), according to a report from the United Nations University, globally over 50 million metric tons of e-waste were generated in 2019 alone-a number that's only growing as technology evolves faster than ever before.

According to the UN Global E-Waste Monitor 2024, The world generated 62 million tonnes of e-waste in 2022, up 82% from 2010.

So, if you're ready to get rid of an old CRT TV or monitor, make sure to do your homework and find a reputable recycler who can handle these special cases properly.

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