The Executive’s Daily Green Briefing

June 21, 2007

WM Acquires LampTracker, Expands Recycling Capabilities

wm-acquires-lamptracker-2391.jpgWaste Management has acquired the LampTracker business, a provider of mail-back recycling for fluorescent lighting, from shareholders of Mercury Waste Solutions.

This business, which will be operated through Waste Management’s WM LampTracker subsidiary, will provide collection and recycling of fluorescent bulbs using integrated on-line tracking capability and a unique shipping container design. WM LampTracker also offers this service for the recycling of batteries, electronics and other wastes.

WM LampTracker uses a VaporLok foil bag that the company says is engineered to safely contain residual mercury vapors during the storage and transportation of fluorescent bulbs.

This Saturday, the company is teaming up with Wal-Mart stores, Supercenters and Sam’s Clubs across Rhode Island to host a fluorescent light bulb recycling day.

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Comments

This is a great idea and an excellent venture between the largest handler of mercury bearing wastes and the largest retailer in North America. I’ve recently written an article on the advantages of a national fluorescent bulb recycling law in Environmental Protection and , in August, Pollution Equipment News. One key point to consider in the handling of these devices is having the proper materials on hand for cleaning up a broken bulb. Consider the purchase of a mercury spill kit to have on hand in case such an incident occurs to avoid high professional cleaning costs and possible EPA fines for illegal disposal. Always use a mercury recycler for disposal of such items.

Do the intensive rigid plastic (fossil fuel derived), packaging of the new CFL energy saver lighting, coupled with the carbon cost of shipping them from China where most are manufactured and now the carbon cost of re-shipping them for recycling in foil (not easily composted) bags by any chance offset the carbon reduction advantages of using them? Or are we just going in circles here…

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