The Spectrum/West
Project works under the umbrella of the Organization for Strategic Studies, a 501 (c) 3 Non-Profit
Organization. Formed and incorporated in California in 1985, the OSS has been
actively working with veterans and veterans groups to promote better understanding
and knowledge of the problems facing today's disabled veterans.
As part of our program, we sub-contract to companies and agencies which have to meet
the 3% Federal and State mandated participation goal for contracts in excess of
$10,000.
If your company needs assistance in meeting this requirement, please fax us your contract
participation request to (818) 446-0943.
We are recognized by both the State and Federal government's and permitted to issue
"Tax Credit" donation slips for items donated to our program.
Our Los Angeles Police Commission Permit is: Y1426
Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS A CRT?
CRT is an acronym for Cathode Ray Tube. The cathode ray tube is the
viewing portion of computer monitors and televisions. The CRT contains
material which must be recycled. In October 2001, the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) banned the dumping of CRT's. In November 2002, the EPA began
fineing companies that disposed of CRT's through landfills or incineration.
Regulatory agencies, local and statewide, are now monitoring the disposal of CRT's and other computer equipment.
WHY USE US TO RECYCLE OR REUSE YOUR EQUIPMENT?
Cathode Ray Tubes (CRT's) contain hazardous materials. In your
discarded computer monitors & televisions there are large quantities of lead,
phosphorous, cadmium, barium and mercury. As a product, these
hazardous materials are safely sealed.
When the CRT is sent to a landfill the hazardous materials are released, and a leaching process occurs as a result of CRT breakage. These toxic materials will eventually find their way into our water supply. When the glass is crushed by trash facilities, the lead-bearing particles become an airborne hazard.
Located within the CRT are five toxic substances. Lead, mercury and barium are the most toxic substances of the five within the CRT. The other toxins which are located within the CRT are cadmium and phosphorous. If improperly managed, the health risks associated with human contact to these five toxic substances within the CRT can be deadly.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS OF IMPROPER DISPOSAL?
The health risks associated with inhalation of the lead-bearing particles can
be deadly. The dangers with involved with contact to the toxic materials
within the CRT can include respritory, pneumonitis, and neuropsychiatric
problems.
HOW SHOULD I HANDLE THE REST OF THE COMPUTER?
Although the CRT units contain hazardous material, virtually an
entire computer can be recycled. Our policy is to REUSE as much as we can,
and recyle the rest. Everything from the glass in the monitor, to the plastic
in the case, to the copper in the power supply, and even the
processor can be recycled.
Using Spectrum-OSS to recycle your salvage computers will eliminate your liabilities as enforced by Federal, State, and Local Regulations. Not only will your company be adhering to all legal guidelines, you will also be doing your part to protect the environment and human health.