EPA Announces NVMSRP
EPA Announces National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program
(8/11/06) Chicago, IL— Representatives from the vehicle manufacturers, steelmakers, vehicle dismantlers, vehicle shredders, the environmental community, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gathered today at Bionic Auto Parts to formally announce the signing of a national agreement to facilitate the recovery of mercury switches from scrap cars and light trucks.
The agreement defines the responsibilities of each party and calls for nationwide implementation over the next 12 months. Vehicle manufacturers are participating through The End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation (ELVS), which was created in September 2005 by the automotive industry to promote the industry’s environmental efforts in recyclability, education and outreach, and the proper management of substances of concern.
“ELVS is pleased to be a part of this national collection and recycling strategy,” said Mary Bills, ELVS Executive Director. “The auto industry has been a leader in removing mercury switches from vehicles and believes that a comprehensive partnership such as this one can become a model for other industries to remove mercury from other consumer products.”
Historically, mercury light switches were used in autos for convenience lights (under the hood or in the trunk) and in anti-lock braking systems. Automakers have phased out the use of these mercury switches in new vehicles. When retired vehicles are recycled, it is important for vehicle dismantlers to recover and properly dispose of mercury switches.
“We have already made great progress in collecting switches with the assistance of state agencies and the dismantlers, and we look forward to continuing that progress,” added Bills. “Since education is always an important factor to the success of a program, we believe this partnership will allow us additional outreach opportunities for both our education and best practices methods.”
As part of its national effort to educate vehicle dismantlers on switch removal, ELVS has produced a DVD and written instructions on the removal and recycling of mercury switches. Clips of the DVD and full text of the written instructions can be viewed on the ELVS website www.elvsolutions.org, and a full-length video can be ordered through the website or by emailing: info@elvsolutions org.
“Our education outreach continues across the country, and, working with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the greater recycling community on a nationwide program will allow us to further advance our environmental efforts,” said Bills.
The End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation (ELVS) was created by the automotive industry to promote the industry’s environmental efforts in recyclability, education and outreach, and the proper management of substances of concern. Members of the End-Of-Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation are DaimlerChrysler Corporation; Ford Motor Company; General Motors Corporation; International Truck & Engine; Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc.; Mack Trucks, Inc.;Nissan North America, Inc.; North American Subaru, Inc.; Volkswagen of America, Inc.; and Volvo Trucks North America.