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NPEP Success Story: Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC
Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC Eliminates Over 1 Million Pounds of Lead by Replacing Wheel Weights
Bridgestone Retail Operations, LLC (BSRO), a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Holding, Inc., is headquartered in Bloomingdale, Ill., and operates the largest number of company-owned automotive retail generalist stores in the world — more than 2,000 vehicle service and tire locations across the United States — including Firestone Complete Auto Care™, Tires Plus™, ExpertTire™, and Wheel Works™ store locations.
BSRO’s NPEP Goal
BSRO’s NPEP Goal was to replace approximately 1,618,000 lbs of lead from lead wheel weights by replacing with non-toxic steel wheel weights. During calendar year 2008, BSRO met their NPEP goal for lead recycling. Wheel weights are applied onto the wheels of vehicles when tires are installed to help the wheels balance properly and run smoothly. The weights can fall off and may get thrown onto the edges of roadways, possibly contaminating soil or water.
NPEP Project Implementation
In 2008, BSRO began a phased program to replace lead wheel weights with steel wheel weights. Throughout the first half of 2008, BSRO completed the phasing out of lead wheel weight purchases. By the middle of 2008, BSRO completely discontinued the ordering of lead wheel weights.
Additional Activities
In addition eliminating approximately 1,618,000 lbs of lead wheel weights from our stores through product substitution, BSRO continues to recycle used lead wheel weights from automobiles serviced in their stores. In 2008, BSRO recycled approximately 582,000 lbs of lead wheel weights.