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As a recognized leader in radiation shielding products, VulcanGMS takes seriously its responsibility for the safe manufacture and distribution of shielding materials. The company offers expertise to customers who need to protect themselves from potential liabilities that could be associated with the improper recycling of lead-containing products.
Liability Protection Lead Recycling (LPLR) is the answer for problems of safe and liability-limiting recycling of lead shielding products and other lead parts.
Through a very specific and well documented process, VulcanGMS will collect and consolidate lead products designated for recycling and store them in covered, secured facilities. The lead shielding is then transferred to an EPA-approved smelter, and the lead is reclaimed from the various items, leaving reprocessed lead that can be used to make new lead products.
From the time the old products arrive at the consolidation center until the reprocessed lead is reintroduced into the manufacturing plant, professionals handle the lead. These professionals adhere to strict processes and EPA state regulations, to avoid the potential for environmental contamination or mishandling of the product.
VulcanGMS understands that while the Superfund Law includes a provision protecting those who arrange for off-site recycling of scrap metal and other recyclable material from Superfund liability, persons claiming that protection must meet certain requirements, must ensure that the recycler meets specified criteria, and must avoid running afoul of one of the law’s exclusions. It is Vulcan’s understanding that persons who are held liable under Superfund for environmental contamination resulting from releases of hazardous substances can face significant legal liabilities and associated financial burdens. Given the reach of other environmental laws and regulations, those who arrange for scrap metal recycling also may need to be aware of the non-Superfund liabilities that could arise through application of other environmental requirements.
When a client’s shipment arrives at the recycling center, it will be numbered, weighed and tagged. Within the week of arrival the client will receive a document acknowledging the receipt of the shipment and listing its number and weight. This document also confirms that VulcanGMS accepts all liability associated with the shipment. Your facility is then released from any liability going forward.
Because the lead handling and recycling activities of VulcanGMS meet applicable Environmental Protection Agency requirements and relevant state standards, facilities that send lead-containing items to Vulcan can be assured that the material will be handled and recycled properly. This should avoid the likelihood of any environmental claims being brought about against a customer because of the way lead-containing items are handled and recycled. In addition to these procedural safeguards that protect customers against environmental claims arising in the first instance, VulcanGMS is offering the added assurance of an indemnification provision in its contracts. The indemnification provision protects customers financially in the unlikely event that an environmental claim was to be made because of VulcanGMS’ handling or recycling of the lead.
For more information, please contact our recycling manager at recycling@vulcangms.com.
