The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, based in Washington, has joined with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) to launch a statewide mercury switch collection program for end-of-life vehicles.
The voluntary program will 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. Such switches are generally found in convenience lights and ABS braking systems.
Under the program, recyclers can request supplies and easy to understand
removal procedures.
removal procedures.
Alliance President and CEO Fred Webber says, "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."
MDEQ Director Steven E. Chester says, "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 of Automobile Manufacturers 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 "The 48 Second Solution" can be viewed online at http://www.michigan.gov/deqmercuryp2. Additionally, the Alliance is providing funding for supplies and transportation to the MDEQ designated
disposal/recycling sites.
disposal/recycling sites.
Once the program is completed, the Alliance and the MDEQ 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 nine car
and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and
Volkswagen.
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 nine car
and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, Mazda, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and
Volkswagen.