SYLVANIA Continues Lamp Recycling Program with U.S. Postal Service

Danvers, MA.—OSRAM SYLVANIA announces that the RECYCLEPAK Consumer CFL Recycling Kit, a convenient solution for compact fluorescent lightbulb (CFL) recycling, will now be shipped via the United States Postal Service (USPS).

This means that consumers who purchase the pre-paid/pre-labeled recycling kit online can simply give the package to any letter carrier or bring it to any of the over 37,000 USPS postal facilities for return delivery, expanding the availability of this product to all 50 states and U.S. territories.

SYLVANIA CFLs use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs and last up to 10 times longer. However, because they contain a small amount of mercury, it is important that CFLs be recycled.

That’s why in November 2006 SYLVANIA designed the industry’s first online recycling program with Veolia Environmental Services, the largest environmental services company North America. The collaborative effort has helped businesses as well as consumers throughout the country recycle their lighting products.

The RECYCLEPAK Kit holds up to 15 CFLs—perfect for homes and small offices using energy-efficient lighting. Simply purchase the kits online—one price includes the recycling container delivered to your door, protective poly liner, easy to follow instructions, the CFL recycling and a return shipping label.

“We’ve worked very closely with SYLVANIA and the USPS to design a program that’s safe and easy to use for residential customers,” noted Rob Wlezien, Veolia Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Our RECYCLEPAK program can now be used by more than 300 million people in 146 million homes, businesses and P.O. Boxes in every state, city and town across the U.S.”

“The Consumer CFL Recycling Kit option allows consumers everywhere to recycle their spent lamps easily,” Jennifer Dolin, environmental marketing manager, OSRAM SYLVANIA, said. “We’re pleased to be working with Veolia and the USPS to continue providing more convenient, simple recycling solutions that help our customers responsibly dispose of their bulbs.”

“We encourage everyone to safely recycle their used CFLs and are pleased to see this new opportunity,” Matt Hale, director of EPA’s Office of Solid Waste, said. “Any action that gives more Americans access to recycling options is an important step in the right direction.”