For most people, convenience lighting in a vehicle’s engine compartment and trunk go largely unappreciated – at least until the bulb goes out at an inconvenient time. For Pick-n-Pull and GreenLeaf, Schnitzer Steel’s auto parts subsidiaries, these lights – and the mercury switches that trigger them – get a lot of attention.
Pick-n-Pull is leading the industry in proactively developing environmentally responsible techniques for removing and safely recycling the switches containing mercury, a toxic chemical. Across the nation, Pick-n-Pull’s employees remove the switches from autos prior to processing. In a single year, Pick-n-Pull removed approximately 90,000 switches from retired vehicles, preventing 200 pounds of mercury from entering our air and waterways.
"Our commitment goes beyond what the law may require. We believe every one of us can play a part in being good environmental stewards," voiced Cori Cline, environmental manager for Pick-n-Pull.
After Schnitzer Steel acquired GreenLeaf in 2005, mercury switch removal was one of a number of environmental procedures put into place at all GreenLeaf locations.
Breathing Easy
Pick-n-Pull is a leading center for processing vehicles under California’s "Breathe Easier” programs. The programs are designed to eliminate the older, less environmentally friendly vehicles from the road by providing tax credits to drivers who turn in those vehicles for recycling.
Like others in the state, Pick-n-Pull partners with the Department of Motor Vehicles to implement the programs. Each California Pick-n-Pull facility has worked to create a hassle-free experience for participants.
"These are terrific programs. We are helping reduce the number of autos on the road producing excess emissions and making sure they are being recycled in an environmentally friendly manner," commented Cline.
In 2005, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recognized Pick-n-Pull as the leading "Breathe Easier” vendor statewide. Pick-n-Pull continues to work to raise awareness of the programs among California residents.
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