Mercury Switch Recycling Program
Protecting People and Wildlife

Mercury releases from auto processing facilities are the fourth largest source of mercury air emissions in the United States. Automobile hood and trunk convenience light switches contain 87% of the mercury found in vehicles. Crushing and smelting vehicles containing mercury switches releases the toxic pollutant into the air.

Mercury in the air eventually ends up in Wisconsin's lakes, rivers, and streams. Once in the water, mercury accumulates up the aquatic food chain, leading to progressively higher concentrations in top level predators such as walleye and bass. All of Wisconsin's waterways now contain fish consumption advisories. People and wildlife are exposed to mercury through eating these mercury-contaminated fish. High levels of mercury damage both the brain and nervous system. Children and developing fetuses are most severely affected.

Mercury can exist as a toxin in the environment for more than 10,000 years. By removing mercury switches you will help ensure the health of future generations while protecting water and air quality.

Benefits

You can do your part to help protect Wisconsin's people and wildlife by removing and recycling mercury switches. Please participate in this free and easy program. (Note: Grant funding for this program ends June 20, 2005. Please check with a DNR Sector Specialist after June for the ongoing approach to mercury switch recycling.) Benefits include:

• Recognition for participants [PDF 39KB] on the Mercury Switch Recycling Web pages.
• Signed recognition certificate [PDF 349KB]
• Free switch recycling at collection facilities through June 20th, 2005 (county map or list). Please check with a DNR Sector Specialist after June for the ongoing approach to mercury switch recycling.
• Free mercury spill kit (while supplies last), contact Mark Harings.

Industry Sponsors

• Cooperative Compliance Programs (CCPs)
• Concerned Auto Recyclers of Wisconsin (exit DNR) (CARS)
• Wisconsin Institute of Scrap Recyclers (exit DNR) (ISRI)

Sign Up!

Pick one of the following methods: Sign-up at a collection facility (county map or list) or Contact Mark Harings

Questions? Need a Spill Kit? Contact ...

Mark Harings
Auto and Scrap Recycling Sector Specialist
Email: Mark.Harings@wisconsin.gov
Phone: 715-831-3263