LAS VEGAS, — Panasonic Corp. of North America, Sharp Electronics Corp. and Toshiba America Consumer Products have launched a new electronics recycling company servicing Minnesota, and eventually, beyond.

Electronic Manufacturers Recycling Management Co. LLC (MRM) will focus on servicing manufacturers that meet Minnesota's new electronics recycling law.

"In the first five months since Minnesota's new electronic recycling law took effect, MRM collected approximately 750 tons of used products -- a significant amount," said Brad Moore, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner. "We are pleased with MRM's effort in being the first manufacturer organization to offer convenient recycling service to citizens in all parts of our state, and hope it works to decrease illegal dumping of waste electronic products."

MRM also will service state and local governments. It is planning recycling programs to take place as early as late 2008 in several states, including Connecticut, North Carolina, Oregon, Texas and Washington.

"We believe that forming an independent company to manage collective electronic recycling programs is the best way to achieve the economies of scale and efficiencies necessary to create a sustainable recycling system for used electronics products." said MRM President David Thompson. "MRM has already entered into collection and recycling agreements with Hitachi Electronics, JVC, Mitsubishi, Philips, Pioneer, Sanyo and Olevia brand maker Syntax-Brillian, and looks forward to working with other manufacturers going forward."