A DOOMSDAY law which will soon make it unlawful to dump televisions and other electrical goods in landfill sites because of the poisons lurking in cathode tubes, has opened a door of opportunity for a York business.

A pioneering study into the feasibility of separating and recycling chemicals and trace elements from cathode ray tubes (CRTs) has been launched by television and computer servicing and repair company DBS, of Stirling Park, Clifton Moor.

Water can be used to clean the tubes, but it then becomes contaminated, so DBS has been studying the possibility of using man-made ionic fluids to separate the chemicals and trace elements from other materials.

And it is all thanks to a £30,000 SMART award obtained from the Department of Trade and Industry with help from Business Link North Yorkshire's innovation and technology adviser, Roger Benson.

DBS, started 17 years ago, is carrying out the study as part of its plans to diversify into re-supply and recycling to keep pace with changes in the electronic goods market.

DBS founding partner Don Smith, said: "In only a few years - by 2006 at the latest - it will be illegal to dispose of electrical and electronic goods in landfill sites following an EC directive. We see an opportunity for our business - as well as a means of helping the environment - by diversifying into recycling.

"We already have the expertise to recycle the other components of electrical goods but have started this 12 month feasibility study to look at the possibilities of recycling CRTs separating the elements including the cadmium, phosphor and titanium.

"If it is possible, we intend to recycle these back to manufacturers. It makes sound business and environmental sense, as people currently throw away these raw materials at the same time as they are being mined."

DBS, which has 11 staff, serves an area between Hull and Bradford. The business also aims to become a collection and recycling route for electrical equipment that can be re-used. DBS is being supported by the City of York Council and is carrying out a joint survey to determine the scale of the problem.