Michigan DEQ and Automakers Implement Mercury Switch Recovery Program

WASHINGTON, March 31 -- The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers has joined with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to launch a landmark statewide mercury switch collection program for end-of-life vehicles. The purpose of the program is to collect and recycle mercury-containing switches found in old automobiles to ensure they are safely removed before vehicles are shredded, crushed, or smelted; preventing the mercury from being released to the environment.

The voluntary program will assist motor vehicle recyclers in removing mercury containing switches, generally found in convenience lights and ABS braking systems, by providing them with supplies and easy to understand removal procedures. On average, many of these switch assemblies can be removed in as little as 48 seconds.

Alliance President and CEO Fred Webber stated, "The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is pleased to be participating in this pilot program. The auto industry has been a leader in removing mercury switches from vehicles and continues to believe that a comprehensive strategy is necessary to remove mercury from all consumer products."

"The mercury switch program is an excellent opportunity to remove a source of mercury from our air and our waters," said MDEQ Director Steven E. Chester. "I strongly encourage recyclers and other industries that process scrap vehicles to partner with us, and make the commitment to helping create a clean, safe Michigan."

As part of this program, the Alliance has and continues to work with the Michigan DEQ and program participants to develop, produce, and distribute educational materials to motor vehicle recyclers. The training video, titled "The 48 Second Solution," can be viewed on the web at http://www.michigan.gov/deqmercuryp2. This material will cover all aspects of the program including location and removal procedures for mercury convenience light switches and ABS sensors. Additionally, the Alliance is providing funding for supplies and transportation to the MDEQ designated disposal/recycling sites.

Once the program is completed, the Alliance and the DEQ will participate in a joint evaluation of the project including an assessment of the reliability and accuracy of reported switch recovery efforts. The initial phase of the program is expected to run through September 2006.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 9 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. Today's automobiles are 99 percent cleaner than vehicles in the 1970s, and automakers continue to develop even cleaner and smarter automobiles. For more information, visit the Alliance website at www.autoalliance.org.

Contacts: Charles Territo for Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, 202-326-5523; or Robert McCann for MDEQ, 517-241-7397.