Little switches add up to big cuts
in mercury pollution
The United States Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA) announced a national program that will help cut mercury air
emissions by up to 75 tons over the next 15 years.
The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program
is designed to remove mercury-containing light switches from scrap
vehicles before the vehicles are flattened, shredded, and melted
to make new steel.
Under the program, automobile dismantlers will
remove the mercury-containing light switches from scrap vehicles
prior to the vehicles being flattened and then shredded at scrap
recycling facilities. The program will also provide a financial
incentive for those who remove mercury switches.
The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program
is the result of a two-year collaborative effort involving EPA,
the End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation, the American Iron
and Steel Institute, the Steel Manufacturers Association, the Institute
of Scrap Recycling Industries, the Automotive Recyclers Association,
Environmental Defense, the Ecology Center (Ann Arbor) and representatives
of the Environmental Council of the States.
For additional information about mercury switch
removal programs, visit the EPA's
website. |
