Schenectady, New York based Waste Management & Recycling Products, Inc. (WMRP) has unveiled a new program for recycling fluorescent light bulbs and ballasts. Collection of the bulbs and ballasts enables WMRP to assist generators in recycling the hazardous materials.

Mercury and other materials in fluorescent bulbs constitute a hazardous waste, and Waste Management & Recycling Products, Inc.'s program to collect the bulbs and ballasts is seen as a safe way to recycle the discarded items.

"Clients who recycle their fluorescent bulbs most likely will do so under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 'universal waste rule,' which streamlines the process, making it easier for both the generator and the recycler to accomplish recycling of the bulbs," says Peter Bennison, Senior Vice President of the Business Development for WMRP. "Organizations that dispose of them in the normal trash are generating hazardous conditions, and are most likely violating both state and federal regulations." Bennison further states, "This new line of business accents WMRP's ongoing electronics recycling initiatives. Many of our existing clients have requested this service, because it makes good business sense to divert the materials from landfills." Environmental managers and owners of larger properties are concerned with how their used bulbs and ballasts are handled. WMRP can offer this new service very cost effectively by utilizing the efficiencies of collecting fluorescent bulbs and ballasts along with electronics.

Industry estimates indicate that the national consumption of mercury-containing fluorescent and HID lamps exceeds 650 million each year. Disposal of this material results in more than 28,000 pounds of mercury entering the environment via land-filling and other disposal methods. "Spent lighting products are the second-largest source of mercury contamination in the country's municipal solid waste stream," adds Bennison, and "at this time, one of the easiest to eliminate."

Waste Management & Recycling Products, Inc. will add one full-time and one part-time position for this new service. This will bring the total work force to 17 full-time and 4 part-time employees.

In addition to the collection and recycling program, WMRP is also offering packaging supplies as well as on-site labor to help facilitate the program.

For more information about WMRP's collection and recycling program, contact Peter Bennison, Senior Vice President at (518) 377-9900, or via email at pfbennison@electronicsrecycler.com