Members of two U.S. Environmental Protection Agency partnership programs were recognized for reducing and recycling materials, and for cutting back or eliminating over 4 million pounds of priority chemicals, including two Pennsylvania companies--

· Prior Coated Metals, Inc. in Allentown, Pa, produces millions of pounds of pre-painted metal every year, serving both the consumer and building products markets. Prior Coated Metals reduced their naphthalene use by 2,609 pounds by replacing their reducing solvent with a naphthalene-free solvent.

· PolyOne Corporation - LeHigh Valley Site in Bethlehem, Pa, manufactures high quality color and additive master batches used in the wire and cable, molding, film, and general products industries. PolyOne met their NPEP goal of reducing 14,000 pounds of lead by eliminating the use of lead stabilizers in PVC color concentrates.

"Today, it seems like everyone is catching 'green fever,'" said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "By taking voluntary steps that improve our quality of life and the quality of our environment, communities, businesses and individuals are keeping America's 'green' momentum moving forward."

EPA is presenting awards to 31 WasteWise and 17 National Partnership for Environmental Priorities partners. Award-winning WasteWise partners used smart waste management methods to reduce waste and recycle several million tons of materials.

WasteWise partners not only reduce waste, but also are addressing global climate change. By decreasing the demand on raw materials through waste reduction and recycling, these organizations are improving operations, reducing costs, and minimizing their environmental footprints.

NPEP partners are being recognized for reducing or removing significant priority chemicals, such as lead or mercury. The 17 NPEP partners' combined efforts reduced or eliminated nearly 4 million pounds of priority and other environmentally harmful chemicals. Partners include manufacturers, businesses, cities, universities, and airports.

NPEP was formed in 2002 and is a partnership of public and private organizations that pledge to reduce priority chemicals. WasteWise was formed in 1994 and promotes reducing, reusing, and recycling waste.

A complete list of winners is available online.

11/16/2007