Mercury Switch Removal and Recycling Instructions

Mercury switches must be removed prior to vehicle crushing and smelting. Look for mercury in the hood and trunk convenience lighting unit, contained in a sealed metal capsule in the switch. Unless the capsule is damaged, there is very little chance of mercury spillage during removal procedures. Occasionally, a switch may contain mercury within a glass capsule. Be extra careful when removing these switches and store in a separate container with cushioning.

How-to Get the Mercury Out!

• Order a free spill kit (while supplies last) from Mark Harings.
• Review the Mercury Spills and Clean-up guidelines.
• Collect tools:

Screwdriver	Small socket wrench
Wire cutters	Needle nose pliers
Spill Prevention Kit (recommended)	Sturdy, leak-proof, plastic container

• Looking for more information and illustrations? The Clean Air Foundation's Web site contains a Switch Out Video [exit DNR]

  Examine vehicle hood and trunk to locate switches. Locating and removing a switch averages less than five minutes.
• Remove the switch. Isolate the mercury capsule from the switch, if possible.
• Store in a sturdy, plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. Keep container closed except when adding switches. Place metal and glass switches in different containers.
• Store a maximum of one pound of mercury in each container (about 450 auto light switches). Seal container with duct tape.
• Label the container with a permanent marker. Write:

• Drop off labeled container(s) at a Wisconsin collection facility (county map or list). Free recycling continues until June 20th, 2005. Check with a DNR Sector Specialist after June for the ongoing approach to mercury switch recycling.

Questions? Need a Spill Kit? Contact ...

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