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What's being recycled is likely just the rare earth elements in the
phosphors. The Chinese are currently holding a near monopoly
on new rare earth production, and vast quantities are needed because of the
ill-conceived mandate to get rid of tungsten filament household lamps at
a rapid rate. The mixed elements will just get dumped into the
element separation pot.
The USA has lots of rare earth deposits, the problem is probably
cost and the realization that the Chinese will just respond to
increased world production with dumping. Near zero wages and zero
environmental regulations can't be beat.
Doug McDonald
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