Republic Joins Mercury Switch Recovery Program
05/22/2007 - Republic Engineered Products has joined a national coalition of automobile manufacturers, steel industry associations and environmental groups in the effort to implement the voluntary National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program, which encourages the removal of mercury switches from scrap automobiles before they are crushed or shredded.
Republic Engineered Products, Inc. has joined a national coalition of automobile manufacturers, steel industry associations and environmental groups in the effort to implement the voluntary National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP).
The NVMSRP program encourages the removal of mercury switches from scrap automobiles before they are crushed or shredded. Mercury light switches were used in automobiles for convenience lights (under the hood or in the trunk) and in anti-lock braking systems. Although automakers have phased out the use of mercury switches in new vehicles, it is important that vehicle dismantlers recover and properly dispose of mercury switches as retired vehicles are recycled.
Steelmakers such as Republic will strongly encourage their scrap suppliers and others in the scrap supply chain to support and participate in mercury switch removal and collection efforts.
"Participation in the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program is another demonstration of Republic's commitment to environmental protection and this program is a natural fit for us," said Jaime Vigil, President and CEO. "We have integrated these practices into our ISO 14001-certified environmental management system, and we are committed to working with all of the program participants to reach the reduction goals established in the NVMSRP, including preventing mercury from entering the environment."
Developed in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the NVMSRP program includes involvement from vehicle manufacturers, steelmakers, vehicle dismantlers, vehicle shredders, and the environmental community.
Republic Engineered Products is a leading North American supplier of special bar quality (SBQ) steel. With headquarters in Fairlawn, Ohio, the company operates steelmaking centers in Canton and Lorain, Ohio, and value-added rolling and finishing facilities in Canton, Lorain, and Massillon, Ohio; Lackawanna, N.Y.; Gary, Ind.; and Hamilton, Ont., Canada. Republic employs approximately 2500 people.
