There is the idea of a laser broom [1], a ground-based system for pushing debris into more elliptical orbits that bring them closer to Earth at perigee.
It might not be feasible for political reasons; I imagine most designs would also be excellent tools for disabling satellites, thus could start a space arms race. (Both China and the US have blown up satellites, but both were done with anti-satellite missiles; lasers might be more useful for starting a disastrous space war.)
The article specifically mentions material ablation (vaporizing part of the debris) rather than light pressure as the source of impulse.
If it could vaporize debris that came off of satellites or boosters or what have you, it could vaporize parts of satellites. Possibly at the rate of the metaphorical little bird that sharpens its beak on a mountain. :)
It might not be feasible for political reasons; I imagine most designs would also be excellent tools for disabling satellites, thus could start a space arms race. (Both China and the US have blown up satellites, but both were done with anti-satellite missiles; lasers might be more useful for starting a disastrous space war.)
[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laser_broom