Don’t Let Your Company Go to Waste

Find an Environmentally Safe and Cost Effective Method of Disposal

E.WINDSOR, CT -- 03/22/2005 -- Businesses don’t think twice about throwing away used fluorescent lamps (light bulbs) and other office and facility waste that they have accumulated, but they should. Fluorescent lamps, batteries, computers, PCB containing ballasts and mercury containing devices are hazardous waste regulated by the EPA under the Universal Waste Rule (UWR). Many of these waste streams, especially fluorescent lamps, contain elements and compounds that can be released into the environment from improper handling and dumping. After lamps are broken and crushed in dumpsters, mercury vapors escape into the atmosphere only to fall back to earth when it rains, contaminating the water supply, fish and anyone that consumes them. Mercury is a nerve toxin that may impair the way we see, hear, walk and talk.

The risks of improperly disposing of universal waste are not just environmental -- they’re financial. If businesses are not managing and disposing of universal waste in accordance with New York hazardous waste regulations, they could be subject to serious fines and Superfund liability. The Federal Superfund law imposes liability upon certain parties who have engaged in disposal activities related to so-called “hazardous substances.”

Many New York companies may be unfamiliar with the new rules and regulations surrounding their universal waste. Most state regulations are more stringent than the UWR. New York State’s Mercury-Added Consumer Products Law, effective since January 1, 2005, makes all mercury containing lamps regulated. Under Article 27, Title 21 the act prohibits any mercury-added product being disposed of in solid waste (trash). The only exceptions to this law are for residents and some small businesses. For more information you may contact the New York State DEC Hazardous Waste Division.

One of the easiest ways to help eliminate the liability is to work with a permitted destination facility. Since these facilities are fully permitted, they take title of your universal waste thereby eliminating your liability. Often these recyclers will provide you with the proper containers for the waste, accumulation information, tracking and ultimately a certificate stating where and when your waste was recycled. When selecting a facility to handle your waste it is important to ask the following questions:

-- Are you dealing with a permitted destination facility?
-- Is the waste disposed of or stored on site?
-- What is the disposal time?
-- What types of documentation are provided?
-- Is there a closure surety in place incase they go out of business?
-- Are drivers fully licensed and permitted to transport universal and hazardous waste?
-- Do they know the specifics of your state’s regulations surrounding universal waste?

One such facility that is a leader in the universal waste management industry is Northeast Lamp Recycling, Inc (NLR.). Headquartered in East Windsor, Connecticut, with a new facility in Bronx, New York, NLR has 10-years solid waste reduction experience providing comprehensive universal waste management services for fluorescent lamps, electronics, batteries, ballasts and various other mercury-containing devices. Permitted in 1996, NLR serves commercial and industrial facilities, universities and hospitals, federal and state agencies, as well as municipalities and companies throughout New England, New York, New Jersey and across the United States. For a free universal waste consultation call toll free 1.888.657.5267 or visit them online at www.NLRlamp.com.

Contact Information

Nathan A. Nunez

Media Contact

NLR, Inc.

Contact via E-mail