Light Bulb Recycler Pleads In Md. Mercury Case

BALTIMORE (AP) -- Maryland's attorney general says his office is seeking prison time and significant fines for a fluorescent light bulb recycler who pleaded guilty to mercury handling violations.

Doug Gansler announced Wednesday that Glen Wright Smith, 50, of Owings pleaded guilty to 10 felony counts. Smith is to be sentenced Feb. 29 in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court. Gansler's office says Smith was the owner and operator of USA Lights in Beltsville.

Gansler says mercury from old bulbs was improperly handled, stored and discarded, posing serious threats to workers and the environment. He says a May 2009 state inspection found drums and boxes being used for disposal and that employees later told investigators they did not know of the danger of mercury, which is highly toxic.

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