Industry News

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA),  launched the re-designed www.LampRecycle.org site to better provide a one-stop source of information about recycling mercury-containing "lamps." One of the new features allows visitors to find CFL drop-off locations near them with the help of Earth911.com.

Mercury-containing lamps can be recognized by the Hg symbol on the lamp--the universally recognized elemental symbol for mercury. All fluorescent and most high intensity discharge (HID) lamps contain a tiny amount of mercury, a naturally occurring element that is critical for the energy-saving attributes of these lamps. Depending on the nature of the exposure, mercury can be harmful to human health, and it is important that lamps and other products containing mercury be properly managed at the end of life to reduce exposure to the environment.

NEMA, in conjunction with its member companies including leading lighting manufacturers, is committed to raising awareness among consumers and businesses about energy efficient lighting and the importance of recycling mercury-containing lamps, which is evident through the site's rich content and easy-to-navigate interface.

"Lighting manufacturers have long supported lamp recycling as the proper method of disposal to keep mercury from the waste stream," said Jennifer Dolin, Manager of Sustainability and Environmental Affairs for OSRAM SYLVANIA. "The NEMA website is now much easier to use, and we hope it will help individuals and businesses learn about the importance of lamp recycling and take the appropriate steps to recycle their used mercury-containing bulbs."

Whether recycling is mandated by law, such as the case for both businesses and residential users in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, or people are just doing their part, LampRecycle.org highlights easy and convenient options for both businesses and consumers to recycle mercury-containing lamps. It is estimated that businesses nationally already recycle more than 30 percent of their waste lamps annually. Doing their part to inform consumers of all types, manufacturers include the www.LampRecycle.org URL on the packaging of all mercury-containing lamps sold in the U.S. as part of a standard educational label.

The revamped LampRecycle.org site incorporates a new feature to better serve visitors and help them locate the nearest recycling drop-off location. A "Local Recycling" finder tool, operated by Earth911.com, is located conveniently on the LampRecycle.org homepage. This search tool brings the power of Earth911.com's nationally recognized recycling database to help consumers across the country properly dispose of their mercury-containing lamps. Simply type in a zip code and item such as "CFL" or "fluorescent lamp," and the tool will list, and link to, the nearest locations.

"Earth911.com is pleased to support NEMA in its efforts to strengthen mercury-containing lamp recycling across the country," said John Furman, CEO of Earth911.com. "With benefits such as curtailing mercury pollution in our environment and reducing energy consumption by recycling, disposing of these products through the proper channels is a win-win for everyone."

"NEMA is pleased to host and maintain this site," said Evan Gaddis, President and CEO of NEMA. "Energy efficient lighting is critical to America's energy future, and through LampRecycle.org manufacturers are getting the word out about efficient lighting and the proper disposal of these products at end-of-use."

Consumers and businesses need to be smart about recycling mercury-containing lamps, as federal and state requirements can differ depending on who generates the spent lamps. LampRecycle.org provides information about federal and state requirements for spent lamp management, as well as state contact information. The site also lists the companies that are in the business of handling and recycling spent lamps, for better convenience among business owners.