PRESS RELEASE, October 16, 2006
DEP LAUNCHES MERCURY SWITCH RECOVERY FROM SCRAP VEHICLES
--48 second removal process can prevent pollution--
TALLAHASSEE - The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today announced a statewide initiative to remove mercury switches from vehicles during automotive recycling. Part of a national program approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in August 2006, the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP) is designed to remove mercury-containing light switches from scrap vehicles before they are flattened, shredded and melted to make new steel.
“Vehicle recyclers and dismantlers in Florida can play a critical role in reducing a significant source of mercury air emissions,” said Mike Sole, DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy. “A potential environmental hazard can be avoided in the mere seconds it takes to remove a convenience lighting switch from scrap vehicles prior to recycling them.”
This week, DEP sent letters to Florida vehicle recyclers and dismantlers encouraging them to take part in this important environmental initiative. As part of the recovery program, the End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation (ELVS), an organization created by the auto industry, will send collection buckets to Florida vehicle recyclers and dismantlers that participate in the mercury switch collection program. ELVS will arrange for the mercury switches collected at designated businesses to be shipped and recycled at no cost.
Pellet-sized mercury switches can be found in convenience lights in trunks and hoods, as well as some anti-lock brakes of certain pre-2002 vehicles. Nationally, it is estimated that there are 35 million automotive mercury switches currently in vehicles today.
Recognizing the environmental and health hazards of mercury, DEP has conducted extensive research into the sources of mercury emissions and instituted advanced technology controls, leading to a decrease in mercury emissions from major emission sources over the last ten years. Removing mercury switches from scrap vehicles prior to recycling them can further eliminate mercury from the environment.
» To join the program and request a free recycling container:
» Additional Links:
- Brochure:
Removing Mercury from Florida’s Auto-Salvage Yards
- Videos: www.elvsolutions.org/educational.html
Several short videos on how to remove mercury switches from convenience lighting in vehicles.
- ELVS: www.elvsolutions.org
The End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation (ELVS) was created by the automotive industry to promote the industry’s environmental efforts in recyclability, education and outreach, and the proper management of substances of concern.
- National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program:
www.elvsolutions.org/nmsrp.htm
The National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program is the result of a two-year collaborative effort involving EPA, vehicle manufacturers, 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. EPA and these stakeholders announced the program to recover mercury switches from scrap cars and trucks before they are shredded for recycling. An event was held in Chicago on August 11, 2006 to mark the signing of the agreement which establishes the program.
NEW! Start Your Switch Collection Now! One of the NVMSRP goals is to maximize switch collection nationally. A $4 million fund has been established that will be used to reward dismantlers/recyclers in many states, including Florida, on a first-come, first-serve basis for their efforts by paying $1 per mercury pellet received.
Mercury Switch Recovery From Scrap Vehicles