Pa. Mercury Switch Removal Program; Free Workshops Offered Statewide

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 14 -- The Department of Environmental Protection, AERC Recycling Solutions, Bethlehem Apparatus Co. Inc., Clean Air Council, Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Pennsylvania Automotive Recycling Trade Society (PARTS) and Steel Recycling Institute are partnering to invite automobile recyclers to participate in Pennsylvania's Mercury Switch Removal Program.

"Pennsylvania automobile recyclers and other eligible businesses are encouraged to be a part of this important initiative," Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen A. McGinty said. "Working together to remove mercury switches from salvaged cars will help to protect public health, prevent land contamination and improve air and water quality in Pennsylvania."

Aside from launching the mercury switch removal program, Governor Edward G. Rendell is calling for tougher mercury reductions from industrial boilers and power plants. Pennsylvania and 10 other states joined together June 29 to formally oppose the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's proposed mercury emissions reduction rule for backing away from minimum requirements in the federal Clean Air Act and slowing the timetable to achieve significant reductions of the highly toxic pollutant. A final decision by EPA is expected this week.

The goal of Pennsylvania's Mercury Switch Removal Program, launched last November, is to recycle at least 600 pounds of mercury through a voluntary two-year effort that encourages retrieving these mercury-containing switches from "end of life" vehicles.

Any automobile recycler or eligible business --- shredders and auto repair shops, for example --- in the Commonwealth can apply for the program. Registered businesses will receive free informational materials, training and removal guidance, safety equipment, free shipping and mercury-switch recycling, and a $1 incentive per mercury switch recycled.

DEP and the Clean Air Council are holding six free workshops across the state for recyclers interested in participating in the program. Registration is not necessary. The workshops will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on the following dates at these locations:

  --  March 28 at 104 Rackley Building, Penn State University, State
      College, Centre County.
  --  March 29 at Beechwood Farms Nature Preserve, 614 Dorseyville Road,
      Pittsburgh.
  --  March 30 at DEP's Northwest Regional Office in Meadville, Crawford
      County.
  --  April 25 at DEP's Northeast Regional Office in Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne
      County.
  --  April 26 at Montgomery County Fire Academy, 1175 Conshohocken Road,
      Conshohocken, Montgomery County.
  --  April 27 at Lower Paxton Township Building, 4254 Prince Street,
      Harrisburg, Dauphin County.

The switches were installed for convenience lighting in the trunk, hood and other interior areas of automobiles, as well as in anti-lock braking systems, prior to phase out in 2003 models. If mercury-containing switches are not removed before automobiles are recycled, the mercury is emitted into the air during the smelting process and, through deposition, ends up in waterways.

In the environment, mercury is transformed into methylmercury, which accumulates through the food chain. Once mercury enters the environment, it can remain as an active toxin for more than 10,000 years. This endangers pregnant women, children, subsistence fishermen and recreational anglers who are most at risk for health effects that include brain and nervous system damage in children and heart and immune system damage for adults.

To participate in the Pennsylvania Mercury Automobile Switch Removal Program, or for more information about the program and workshops, visit the department's Web site at http://www.dep.state.pa.us/, DEP Keyword "Mercury Switch."

(717) 787-1323