Washington Pledges to Reduce Mercury Pollution

Washington’s Governor Gary Locke announced a statewide campaign to curb mercury pollution.

"We can and must do much more to protect our citizens and future generations from toxic chemicals such as mercury," Locke said.  "The health risks from mercury are well documented, and we have more options than ever for recycling products that contain mercury."

The Seattle Mariners, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and Unico Properties Inc. joined the governor and pledged to recycle fluorescent and other mercury-containing lights used on their properties.  In addition, Locke said he is preparing a directive for all state agencies to recycle similar lights.

The state's mercury phase-out strategy, developed by the state departments of Ecology and Health, estimates that about 1 ton of mercury waste can be kept out of Washington's environment each year by recycling products such as fluorescent lights, thermostats and thermometers that contain mercury.

More than 5 million fluorescent tubes and bulbs are disposed annually in the Puget Sound area, with only 25 percent currently recycled - mostly by large businesses and institutions. 

Washington state was the first in the nation to develop a strategy for phasing out these toxic chemicals, called "persistent, bioaccumulative toxins" (PBTs).  Mercury waste is the first PBT targeted because of its widespread use and serious health consequences.

A state of Washington bill, 1002, aimed at reducing the amount of mercury in the state was passed by the Senate earlier in the week, and now awaits the governor signing it into law.

The bill calls for the following:

By Jan. 1, 2006, ban the sale of auto switches containing mercury; mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices, with some exceptions; and mercury-infused novelties such as jewelry or ornaments.

By next year, lamps manufactured after Nov. 30, 2003, that contain mercury would have to be sold with special warning labels.

Require the state to buy products with little or no mercury whenever possible.

By January 2006, prohibit the installation or reinstallation of mercury thermostats unless the manufacturer of the thermostat participates in a thermostat recycling program.