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NPEP Success Story: Bowling Green State University
Bowling Green State University Recycles More Than 11,000 Pounds of Elemental Mercury In Continuing NPEP Project
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is located in the northwest Ohio community of Bowling Green. It is one of 14 state supported colleges and universities in Ohio with a curriculum directed toward Liberal Arts. The University has an enrollment of over 20,000 students, both undergraduate and graduate, with over 1,100 faculty and 1,800 staff.
BGSU's NPEP Goals
BGSU has set three NPEP goals to collect and reclaim uncontaminated sources of elemental mercury.
The University selected this chemical because of its potential
adverse health effects if released into the environment. The first goal, achieved in March, 2005, was to collect and recycle 3,000 pounds of mercury.
The second, achieved in July, 2007, was for 3,750 pounds.
BGSU's latest goal is to collect and recycle 3,750 pounds of mercury by September, 2008.
 October 25, 2005. EPA officials present an NPEP
Achievement Award to David Heinlen of Bowling Green State University. |
NPEP Project Implementation BGSU's Elemental Mercury Collection and Reclamation Program involves the collection and recycling of uncontaminated elemental mercury that is present in a variety of devices, including thermometers, manometers, barometers, sphygmomanometers, thermostats, and mercury switches, as well as individual containers of mercury. Once the mercury/mercury-containing devices are brought back to BGSU, the mercury is consolidated by Rader Environmental Services. Bulk mercury is sent to Bethlehem Apparatus Products in Hellertown, Pennsylvania. Mercury-containing devices are sent to Mercury Solutions, Inc. of Union Grove, Wisconsin. The mercury is reclaimed at both sites. |
Waste Minimization Results
In March, 2005, we surpassed our first goal by collecting 4,345 pounds of mercury. In July, 2007, we surpassed our second goal by collecting 7,100 pounds of mercury.
Since starting our program in January, 1998, we have collected and recycled over 18,700 pounds of elemental mercury.
Waste Minimization Plans
Bowling Green State University, in conjuction with its partners, will continue
to remove sources of uncontaminated elemental mercury. In doing so, we will
continue our partnership with EPA and others that will result in the removal
of increasing quantities of this toxic metal.