New Jersey companies ordered to halt improper handling of bulbs

In an effort to stop and prevent the release of hazardous waste, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ordered two New Jersey companies to take immediate action to ensure the safe handling of hazardous waste at a facility in Lakewood, New Jersey. Through an administrative order, EPA is requiring Supreme Asset Management and Recovery, and Preferred Enterprises to halt the unsafe processing, storage and transfer of fluorescent light bulbs and batteries classified as hazardous waste, both of which contain toxic substances including mercury and lead.

Preferred Enterprises owns the facility at 1950 Rutgers University Boulevard in Lakewood where the improper activities took place, and Supreme Asset Management and Recovery operates it. Supreme Computer and Electronic Recyclers, Inc., which merged in 2008 with Ecoglass Recycling, Inc. to become Supreme Asset Management and Recovery, Inc., acquired a solid waste facility permit from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). From 2006 through 2008, Supreme accepted drums of spent fluorescent bulbs, and inspections of the facility found evidence of improper handling of crushed fluorescent bulbs, a hazardous waste. Supreme was permitted to receive and store intact spent fluorescent bulbs, but not crushed bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs release mercury when crushed.

In April 2008, NJDEP issued Supreme a notice of violation for accepting the crushed bulbs and for failing to prevent the release of mercury. NJDEP officials identified several instances during which mercury may have been released into the environment at the facility. EPA inspected the facility in October 2008 and found that many bulbs had enough mercury to be classified as hazardous waste.

In early 2008, Supreme shipped intact bulbs to a facility in Richmond, Virginia to be crushed there. In May 2008, the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry cited the company for failing to protect its employees from exposure to mercury.

During its October 2008 inspection, EPA also found that the companies were storing 40 pallets of spent lead acid batteries, some of which were badly corroded and leaking, and three containers of spent lithium batteries outdoors without proper cover. The problem persisted, and NJDEP issued Supreme a violation notice after a January 2009 inspection. In February 2009, NJDEP took steps to revoke Supreme’s permit to operate a solid waste recycling business.

As a result of EPA’s order, issued under the federal Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, Supreme must stop accepting crushed fluorescent bulbs that contain mercury and move all crushed bulbs to a permitted facility using a carrier licensed by NJDEP. The company must also inventory intact fluorescent bulbs, ensure they are properly stored and identify an acceptable facility that can process or recycle them. Supreme must also store leaking spent lead acid batteries in a manner that will prevent further leaks, clean up previous leaks, and manage lithium batteries in a manner that will prevent fires. Supreme is required to report its progress to EPA.

The companies met with EPA and, while not accepting the accuracy of all of EPA’s findings, they have agreed to carry out the terms of the order.