Pennsylvania DEP Adjusting Mercury Switch Program

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is merging its end-of-life vehicle mercury switch program from a state program to a national effort.

Pennsylvania launched a partnership with scrap dealers, the automotive recycling industry and environmental groups to develop a voluntary mercury removal program. To ensure the program success the DEP awarded a $165,000 grant to the Pennsylvania Automotive Recycling Trade Society in October 2005 to administer the program. So far, Pennsylvania's incentive program has paid out more than $16,000 for the removal of more than 8,100 switches.

"PARTS appreciates the support DEP has provided to auto recyclers and dismantlers through their funding of this important program," PARTS Executive Director Mike Berk said.

The state program, established through a memorandum of understanding, expires Sept. 30, 2007. Merging with the national program, however, keeps the important initiative moving forward in Pennsylvania.

The responsibilities of the automobile industry are coordinated by the End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corp.

"We are pleased to welcome Pennsylvania as one of the early adopters to the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program," ELVS Executive Director Mary Bills said. "On behalf of ELVS and all the partners in the NMVSRP, we look forward to carrying on the successful program begun several years ago by the state in order to reduce mercury emissions."