NEMA's LampRecycle.org Gets a Fresh Face

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Mon Aug 31, 2009 9:00am EDT

Together with Earth911, NEMA provides added features and education about CFL
Recycling



ROSSLYN, Va., Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Electrical Manufacturers
Association (NEMA), today launched the re-designed 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.   

About NEMA: 
NEMA is the association of electrical and medical imaging equipment
manufacturers.  Founded in 1926 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., its
approximately 450 member companies manufacture products used in the
generation, transmission and distribution, control, and end-use of
electricity. These products are used in utility, industrial, commercial,
institutional, and residential applications. The Association's Medical Imaging
& Technology Alliance (MITA) Division represents manufacturers of cutting-edge
medical diagnostic imaging equipment including MRI, CT, x-ray, and ultrasound
products. Worldwide sales of NEMA-scope products exceed $120 billion. In
addition to its headquarters in Rosslyn, Virginia, NEMA also has offices in
Beijing and Mexico City.

SOURCE  National Electrical Manufacturers Association

Mark Tibbetts for National Electrical Manufacturers Association,
+1-703-841-3246
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