Mercury

ECAR Fact Sheet for Massachusetts
Mercury

Regulations
Self-Audit Checklist
Best Management Practices
Contacts
Related ECAR Fact Sheets
Other Relevant Resources

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The following fact sheet was prepared by the ECAR Center staff. Once prepared, each ECAR Center fact sheet undergoes a review process with the applicable state environmental agency(ies). You can check on the status of the review process here. Please read the disclaimer on the status page. While we have tried to present a summary of the essential information on this topic, you should be aware that other items, such as local regulations, may apply to you.

What You Need to Know

NATIONAL VEHICLE MERCURY SWITCH REMOVAL PROGRAM

In late 2006, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) became a partner in the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program (NVMSRP) which is designed to remove mercury convenience light switches from scrap vehicles before the vehicles are flattened, shredded, and melted to make new steel. For more information see ARA Governmental Affairs NVMSRP.

One of the NVMSRP goals was to maximize switch collection nationally. A $4 million fund was established that was used to reward dismantlers/recyclers in the participating states on a first-come, first-serve basis over a 3-year period for their efforts.

The NVMSRP voluntary incentive fund was depleted as of July 2009. However, Massachusetts has implemented its own state program

Massachusetts Mercury Management Act
During its 2006 session, the Massachusetts Legislature enacted revisions to Chapter 190 of the Acts of 2006, regarding mercury management. This act requires vehicle dismantlers and scrap recycling facilities to remove automotive mercury convenience light switches before the vehicle is crushed or shredded.

As part of this program, ELVS will provide educational materials on switch location and removal as well as collection buckets. ELVS also will pay for the shipping and recycling the switches/assemblies removed by dismantlers and scrap metal recyclers.

Beginning September 2008, Massachusetts recyclers will receive $3 for each automotive mercury switch returned providing they certify that the switches came from vehicles salvaged in the state of Massachusetts. Click here for more information.

NVMSRP State Program

Mercury, a silver-colored liquid metal, is extremely toxic to the nervous system and may impair the way we see, hear, walk and talk. When spilled, mercury can evaporate at room temperature and the vapors cannot be seen, smelled or tasted. In the environment, mercury can be converted into a form that is especially toxic and can build up in fish tissue. Because of its potential to pose long-lasting health and environmental risks, mercury has become a high-profile toxic waste. Some cars may contain no mercury components, while others may contain several. Removal of mercury switches from vehicles before crushing is an important part of managing your hazardous wastes.

However, since mercury switches and lamps are very common items, and because they can be handled as self-contained units, they have been given a special designation, called "universal wastes. " By properly recycling your mercury switches, you can get something of a break from the otherwise very demanding rules that apply to most hazardous wastes. This fact sheet will give you a list of components to watch out for, as well as specific instructions on what to do with them.

Regulations

There are various sources of mercury in automobiles, including:

Light switches (e.g., tilt switches used on underhood and truck lighting)
Anti-lock braking systems
Active ride control or ride leveling sensors
High intensity discharge systems (headlights, tail lamps)
Virtual image instrument panel

In the State of Massachusetts, mercury switches are considered a "universal waste," which is a special EPA designation that the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has adopted. These universal waste regulations are designed to encourage recycling of certain specific wastes. These rules are less demanding than the hazardous waste rules.

Auto recyclers who receive, store, and send mercury-containing lamps and switches off-site for recycle are "universal waste handlers." There are two groups of handlers, based on the amount of universal waste accumulated on-site at any one time:

Small Quantity Handler of Universal Wastes (SQHUW) - accumulates less than 11,000 lbs. (5,000 kg) of universal waste at any time during a calendar year.
Large Quantity Handler of Universal Wastes (LQHUW) - accumulates 11,000 lbs. or more (5,000 kg) of universal waste at any time during the calendar year, which would require the site to have an EPA Identification Number.

Once you trigger the LQHUW status you remain a LQHUW for the rest of the calendar year. However, you re-evaluate your classification at the start of each calendar year.

Mercury switches and lamps should be removed and recycled prior to storage, disposal or crushing of the vehicle. Unusable parts that are removed from vehicles and contain mercury cannot be disposed of in landfills or incinerated. They must be managed as according to the universal waste regulations. A link to permitted mercury recovery facilities in Massachusetts is listed at the end of this document under "Other Related Resources."

Mercury Switch and Lamp Storage. Always store mercury switches and lamps in a secured, covered location that is designed to contain leaks and temperature extremes. Keep mercury switches and lamps away from open flames or other ignitable sources. Do not stack switches and lamps since they may crack and leak hazardous components, thereby incurring a potential expensive cleanup. Keep mercury switches and lamps off the ground to prevent them from coming in contact with water, which may result in contaminated runoff into creeks and streams. Do not store mercury switches and lamps around inside floor drains or outside storm drains.

You may mix different types of universal waste mercury-containing devices or such devices with universal waste thermostats, in one container.

If you remove the mercury-containing ampoules, you must follow applicable state regulations.

Labeling and Marking. Universal waste mercury-containing lamps/switches and containers of mercury-containing lamps/switches must be labeled or marked clearly and legibly "Universal Waste Mercury-containing Lamps", "Universal Waste Mercury-containing Switches", "Waste Mercury-containing Lamps" or "Used Mercury-containing Lamps".

Response to Releases. Should your mercury-containing lamps or switches leak onto the ground, you must immediately contain all releases and determine whether any material resulting from the release is hazardous waste. If so, you must manage the hazardous waste in compliance with all applicable laws.

Crushing Mercury Lamps and Switches. You must obtain a Class A permit if you plan to reclaim mercury/phosphor powder. Universal waste mercury-containing lamps and switches may be crushed or intentionally broken on-site to reduce their volume; however, breaking, crushing, handling, and storage must occur in a safe and controlled manner that minimize the release of mercury to the workplace and the environment and must comply with applicable laws. The procedure for breaking, crushing, handling and storing of the lamps must be documented and use a mechanical unit specifically designed for the process and incorporating the containment and filtration of process air flows to remove mercury-containing vapors and dusts.

If the mercury switch or lamp is broken, it must be placed in a container that is closed, vapor tight, structurally sound, and compatible with the contents of the mercury-containing device. Also, there can be no evidence of leakage, spillage, or damage that could cause further leakage.

You must show that the mercury has been recycled through proper documentation.

Transportation. A transporter of universal waste is not required to get an identification number or required to obtain a hazardous waste transporter permit. A waste manifest is not required either, but a transporter must comply with all applicable US Department of Transportation (US DOT) regulations, including having the shipment properly packaged, labeled, marked, placarded, and transported with the proper shipping papers. Contact US DOT at (517) 377-1866 for more information. A transporter of universal waste is required to deliver the shipment to a universal waste handler, destination facility, or foreign destination.

For hazardous wastes in transit, there is a five-day holding limit. Other requirements apply, such as the condition of containers, notification to local law enforcement, and having the transport vehicle ready for immediate departure.

Links to the Regulations. Use the following links to view the regulations pertaining to mercury.

Federal EPA Standards Applicable to Generators of Hazardous Waste

Self-Audit Checklist

When an inspector comes to your facility, there are certain things he or she checks to see if you are in compliance with environmental regulations. It makes good sense for you to perform a "self-audit" and catch and correct problems before they result in penalties. Also, there are some compliance incentives associated with self-audits (see Audit Policy Page).

Use the following list to audit your mercury management program.

Have all mercury switches been removed? Check to make sure that all components that may contain mercury have been removed and recycled prior to storing, disposal or crushing of the vehicle.
Have you followed the hazardous waste management requirements for handling mercury? Verify that you are adhering the RCRA requirements for handling hazardous waste.

Best Management Practices (BMPs)

Most regulations tell you what you have to do to be in compliance, but they don't explain how to do it. That's where "best management practices" come into play. BMPs are proven methods that help you to get into compliance and stay there.

The following BMPs are recommended for management and disposal of vehicle parts containing mercury:

All employees who handle or manage mercury-added products should be informed of proper handling and emergency procedures for these products and for mercury.
Remove all mercury switches from the vehicle as soon as possible.
Be careful not to break or puncture the mercury container during removal.
If a mercury-containing device breaks, at a minimum, the device, the released mercury and cleanup debris should be sealed in a plastic bag and transferred to a closed compatible container labeled "Hazardous Waste" (with a description of the contents) and managed as a hazardous waste.
Store mercury switches in a leak-proof, closed container. Store in a way that will prevent the capsules from breaking.
Label storage containers with "Spent Mercury-Containing Devices for Recycling" or "Waste/Used Mercury Devices. "
Be able to demonstrate that you have not had the devices stored for more than one year. This can be done by keeping a log, shipping papers, or by labeling storage containers with the accumulation start date.
Recycle mercury switches with a licensed metals recycler that reclaims mercury.

Contacts

For more information, contact the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection at
617-338-2255 or 800-462-0444, or contact the DEP Regional Service Center near you.
To report a spill or leak, call 1-888-304-1133.
To report an environmental incident or complaint, contact the nearest DEP Regional Service Center.

Related ECAR Fact Sheets

Hazardous Waste

Other Related Resources

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