Virginia DEQ To Supply Mercury Switch Collection Kits To Salvage Yards; Partnership Aims To Reduce Mercury

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Virginia DEQ To Supply Mercury Switch Collection Kits To Salvage Yards; Partnership Aims To Reduce Mercury

February 8, 2005 -- RICHMOND, VA. -- The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is providing free mercury switch collection kits to the first 50 salvage yards that volunteer for a pilot project to remove and recycle automobile switches that contain mercury.DEQ will purchase the kits and send them to salvage yards that volunteer to remove the switches, commonly found under the hood or trunks of automobiles. The switches turn on the convenience light when a hood or trunk reaches a certain angle as it is opened. Each kit can hold up to 450 switches and includes storage and shipping containers with prepaid postage for mailing to a mercury recycler.

“This voluntary program provides a quick and inexpensive method to protect the environment,” DEQ Director Robert G. Burnley said. “Volunteering for this project is a significant way for salvage operators to show a commitment to environmental leadership in their communities.”

DEQ is working with Virginia Automotive Recyclers Association, which is coordinating the salvage yards, to promote the voluntary removal of the automobile switches. AERC Recycling Solutions of Ashland produces the collection kits and recycles the mercury from the switches.

After salvage yards dismantle automobiles, the scrap is melted and made into new steel. If the switches are not removed, mercury is emitted into the air during the steel manufacturing process.

Auto Recyclers of Winchester was the first facility to volunteer for the switch removal program started in 2004. DEQ is working with the salvage yard to evaluate switch removal methods and develop an instruction manual to be distributed with the kit.