Kuusakoski Recycling Tackles CRT E-Waste Challenge with New KleanKover Technology and 50K Annual Capacity

PEORIA, Ill., Sept. 10, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The US EPA estimates 43% of the e-waste stream consists of cathode ray tube (CRT) devices, including computer monitors and televisions. Leading international metals and electronics recycler Kuusakoski Recycling announced today its partnership with solid and industrial waste and recycling services firm Peoria Disposal Company (PDC) to process CRT glass, boost CRT North American processing capacity and establish a new beneficial use for the treated glass as landfill Alternate Daily Cover (ADC). The patent-pending KleanKover Recycling Solution, developed and permitted by PDC, treats crushed CRT glass by stabilizing the lead contained therein to virtually prevent leaching, at a cost to Kuusakoski Recycling's customers of up to 40% below current processing methods. PDC's Indian Creek landfill has been permitted to use the KleanKover as ADC to meet state daily cover regulations for municipal waste landfill operation. Using the treated glass as ADC offers an environmentally and socially superior alternative to the use of virgin soil to meet daily cover regulations.  The KleanKover Recycling Solution is detailed in the recent white paper "An Analysis of the Demand for CRT Glass Processing in the U.S." and will be revealed at the E-Scrap Conference in Orlando, Florida, September 11-12 (Booth 715).

"The KleanKover Recycling Solution is a milestone for an industry that has struggled to provide environmentally responsible and cost-effective solutions to the challenge of CRT glass recycling," said Hannu Melarti, President of Kuusakoski US, LLC.  "We're thrilled to have partnered with such an established entity as PDC to bridge the immediate and near-term demand for CRT glass recycling with technology and capacity that is domestic, permitted, commercially proven and operational. With our ability to treat 50,000 tons of lead containing CRT glass annually, we look forward to establishing our footprint in the US and relieving a major pain point in the industry."

US EPA data projects that approximately seven million tons of CRT devices remain to be recovered in the US. CRT technology has become nearly obsolete with the transition to flat panel screens, thereby eliminating the market for reused CRT glass in new CRT devices. Without cost-competitive recycling options, recyclers and processors are increasingly stockpiling CRTs in their possession or sending them overseas where the final destination of the leaded glass is difficult to verify.

Currently, four North American CRT processing facilities handle approximately 128,000 tons of CRT glass annually. This falls short of the estimated higher demand of 392,000 tons per year. The partnership between PDC and Kuusakoski brings an additional annual CRT leaded glass processing capacity of 50,000 tons to North America, as well as a second US facility. Furthermore, PDC's existing permit holds the option to triple this capacity in the future.

"Although we've been treating crushed CRT glass since 1989, it was Kuusakoski's partnership and capacity commitment that challenged us to develop this Alternate Daily Cover end-use," said Chris Coulter, Vice President at Peoria Disposal Company. "With existing CRT processing options and facilities reaching a dead end, a new route to CRT management is vital within the coming decade, and we look forward to fulfilling that need." 

About Kuusakoski US, LLC
Kuusakoski US is the US division of Kuusakoski Recycling, one of the largest and most reputable recycler of metal and electronics in the world. Founded in 1914 and headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Kuusakoski operations span 12 countries, 3 continents, and 48 states. The company provides cost-effective, environmentally responsible recycling services to e-waste collectors and recyclers, enterprises, small businesses, nonprofits, original equipment manufacturers, and government and municipalities. With a century-long history, Kuusakoski is both an original pioneer of the recycling industry and modern innovator of today's leading recycling technology. Kuusakoski's processes have been honed over a century to the highest level of efficiency and environmental standards. For more please visit www.kuusakoski.us.

About Peoria Disposal Company
Peoria Disposal Company, founded in 1928, provides solid waste collection, recycling and disposal services in a 40-county region in Central Illinois, as well as six counties in Eastern Missouri and Southeastern Iowa. Besides conventional garbage pickup services, PDC also provides hazardous and nonhazardous waste transportation, treatment and disposal services in a 13 Midwest states, as well as water analytical services for municipalities and industry throughout the Midwest. For more please visit www.pdcarea.com.

Media Contacts:

Kuusakoski US, LLC
Lisa Ann Pinkerton
[email protected]
408-806-9626

Ashley McClelland
[email protected]
703-282-6851

Peoria Disposal Company
Chris Coulter
[email protected]
309-688-0760

SOURCE Kuusakoski US, LLC