ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY HEADLINESEnvironment and Sustainability
Tentative Agreement Reached for Auto Mercury Switch Recovery Program
Mar. 9, 2006 March 9, 2006 — Representatives from the vehicle manufacturers, steelmakers, vehicle dismantlers, vehicle shredders, environmental community, states and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have reached agreement on a statement of principles detailing the elements of a national program for recovering mercury switches from scrap cars and light trucks before they are shredded for recycling. The parties are now working to complete a formal agreement.
Mercury light switches have historically been used in autos for convenience lights (under the hood or in the trunk) and in anti-lock braking systems. Although automakers have phased out the use of mercury switches in new vehicles, mercury can be released into the environment when older retired vehicles are recycled.
The national program would include a commitment by automakers to provide information regarding switch removal and to take responsibility for collection, transportation, and recycling of the switches. Auto dismantlers and others who recover switches would submit them to the program for proper management. Steelmakers and those who produce steel scrap for steelmaking use would promote participation in the program and also act to ensure mercury switches are removed. Automakers and steelmakers would create a fund in support of implementation of the program and for incentives for participation to those removing switches.
AISI serves as the voice of the North American steel industry in the public policy arena and advances the case for steel in the marketplace as the preferred material of choice. AISI also plays a lead role in the development and application of new steels and steelmaking technology. AISI is comprised of 33 member companies, including integrated and electric furnace steelmakers, and 118 associate and affiliate members who are suppliers to or customers of the steel industry.