Remus, Mich.-based Bandit Industries last week announced it is being recognized by the United States Environmental Protection Agency for mercury reductions taken at its manufacturing plant. These reductions were achieved as part of the National Partnership for Environmental Priorities program, which is a voluntary reduction program. NPEP is focused on promoting source reduction, working to identify environmentally preferable alternatives, fostering technology transfer, and cultivating collaborative relationships between EPA and public and private organizations.

NPEP partners reduced more than 30 million pounds of priority and other potentially hazardous chemicals since the program began in 2004.

Bandit facilities manager Louie Jensen conducted an inventory of mercury-containing devices at the company’s facilities in Remus. Mercury, a metal contained in many consumer and commercial products, is typically used in extremely small amounts and weighs mere ounces. Should mercury become exposed, vapor from the metal can be absorbed through the lungs, which may result in adverse health effects.

Upon completion of the inventory, Bandit made a decision to move forward with the replacement of these devices using products not containing mercury. As a result of these efforts, Bandit was able to remove three pounds of mercury from its facilities.

Bandit Industries manufactures equipment for the tree service, logging, biomass and wood waste recycling industries. Bandit offers a complete line of hand-fed chippers, stump grinders, forestry mowers, whole tree chippers and horizontal grinders.