Automotive Recyclers Association Challenges Manufacturers to Take Responsibility for Vehicle Mercury They Produce

    FAIRFAX, Va., Jan. 26 The Automotive Recyclers Association
(ARA), concerned about the disposal process of automobile parts containing
mercury, has suggested that the final responsibility for collecting and
disposing of the mercury switches should logically fall more on vehicle
manufacturers. Additional groups, including the Environmental Defense, Great
Lakes United and the Ecology Center have taken a similar stance.
    The environmental groups reference a report that has brought this issue
into the spotlight: Toxics in Vehicles: Mercury and Toxic by Design, which
indicates that potentially 15.6 metric tons of mercury are released when cars
are scrapped in an average year.
    ARA supports the reports' recommendations that mercury use in switches and
other components be eliminated immediately; that vehicle manufacturers take
responsibility for removal and safe collection of mercury from existing
fleets; that makers label vehicles that have parts containing mercury; and
automakers notify automotive recyclers which models contain mercury.
    "This is an issue that has been created by the manufacturers, as they have
chosen to put mercury in their vehicles. To our knowledge, automakers have yet
to disclose their historical uses of mercury as well as specific models that
contain mercury. Our members simply cannot assume the significant
responsibility for disposing of these toxic substances," said ARA Executive
Vice President Bill Steinkuller.
    ARA specifically supports automobile manufacturers accepting
responsibility for mercury incorporated into their vehicles. A spokesperson
for automobile manufacturers recently stated that, "it's easier to take out
the mercury switches at the end of the car's life." ARA would contend that the
easier solution would be to use an alternate substance in the vehicles, and
not install mercury in the first place. Several manufacturers, including BMW,
Toyota and Volvo realized this fact years ago and have since avoided the use
of mercury in their components and designs since 1993.
    While removal at the end of a vehicle's life may seem like a simple
solution, the "business reality" is that it is much easier for vehicle
manufacturers to allow someone else to fix their problem.  Reason and equity
demand the manufacturers shoulder the responsibilities for their mercury.
After all, manufacturers put the mercury in the vehicles.  Automotive
recyclers, per contra, have no role with respect to mercury at any point
except to manage its nuisance quotient (under strict, expensive, and difficult
handling requirements, serious burdens for "mom and pop" concerns), no way to
expect compensation from their customers to cover the cost of dealing with
mercury, and no resources sufficient to cover potential legal liabilities or
lawyer fees.  Mercury represents unfair and unreasonable added costs and
risks, not an additional mode of revenue, for any professional automotive
recycler.
    As the automotive manufacturers' past statements indicate, there is an
industry system waiting for these vehicles at the end of the road, to
adequately handle the vehicle's disposal, and professional automotive
recyclers can be part of the solution.  Automotive manufacturers, however,
must be more accommodating to help resolve these environmental concerns. We
look forward to discussions on how our professional automotive recycling
industry fits into securing a positive resolution of mercury concerns.

     Founded in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has
represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of
automotive parts, and the proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. With
programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR) and other
partnerships with automotive manufacturers, automotive recycling will continue
to provide consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle
replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a "greener" tomorrow.

    To learn more about the Association, visit ARA's Home Page at
http://www.autorecyc.org or call 703-385-1001.