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DAILY NEWS
Aug 11, 2006 11:42 AM
U.S. launches landmark industry program to recover mercury
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2006-08-11
A landmark agreement was announced today that will greatly reduce a major source of mercury from the environment by creating a new, industry-funded, national program in the U.S. for recovering mercury switches from vehicles before they are dismantled and melted for recycling.
The agreement was reached after years of research, advocacy and coalition-building by Environmental Defense and Ecology Center, working closely with the vehicle dismantlers, vehicle shredders, steelmakers, states, the auto industry and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Over the past 30 years, domestic automakers have installed over 200 million mercury switches - containing nearly 250 tons of mercury - in vehicles in convenience lighting and braking applications. When these switches are not removed prior to recycling, the mercury is released to the environment during the steel melting process, threatening public health. Auto switches from pre-2003 automobiles currently represent the largest manufacturing source of mercury air emissions, surpassed only by two combustion sources: coal-fired power plants and industrial boilers.
Under the new program, auto dismantlers and others who remove switches will submit them to the program for proper management. Automakers will take responsibility for collection, transportation, and recycling of the switches. Steelmakers and those who produce steel scrap will promote participation in the program and also ensure mercury switches are removed. Additionally, automakers and steelmakers will create a fund to provide financial incentives to those removing switches.
For further information, visit: http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/mercury.shtml
