BGSU hailed for mercury-reduction work

BOWLING GREEN, Ohio (AP) -- One thermometer and thermostat at a time, Bowling Green State University has helped remove 4 tons of mercury from homes and business as part of a nationally recognized program.
For the past six years, the college has helped pick up and recycle devices that contain the toxic metal found in many common items.
Mercury is one of 30 substances the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency wants to reduce or eliminate. It can cause neurological and developmental problems, especially in children.
Bowling Green works with EPA district offices and environmental companies to collect items that contain mercury. School officials have helped thousands of people in Ohio exchange mercury thermometers for digital ones, for example.
People in Michigan, Indiana and Pennsylvania also have recycled mercury through the program. Most of what is collected is taken to a facility in Pennsylvania.
The EPA recently made Bowling Green the first university to be part of its National Waste Minimization Partnership Program. Most of its members are businesses and government agencies.
A division of the National Safety Council also has honored the program.