SACRAMENTO – Joined by representatives from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the State of California Auto Dismantlers Association (SCADA), and Californians Against Waste, Assemblymember Lloyd Levine (D-Van Nuys) today announced the success of The Mercury Switch Removal Program, which has reduced the amount of mercury released into California’s environment by nearly 100 pounds in five months, which accounts for 50,000 switches.

The Program was inspired by legislation authored by Assemblymember Levine – AB 1240, The Mercury Switch Removal Act of 2005 – which called for a collection and recovery program at the Department of Toxic Substance and Control, as well as requiring auto manufacturers to establish and finance a Mercury Switch Removal Plan.

“Tons of mercury is released into the environment as a result of improperly disposed auto switches, which results in a real threat to public health – especially severe developmental problems in children, such as autism,” Assemblymember Levine said. “Over the past three years, I have been working with the auto industry, recycling executives, and numerous environmental groups to establish a statewide program to properly collect and dispose of mercury switches in cars.

“I am proud to announce that all the hard work exhibited by all parties involved has resulted in a drastic reduction in the amount of mercury released into California’s environment,” Levine continued. “Through the implementation of this program, California is now seen as a national leader in working to prevent future health and environmental degradation from the release of mercury into our environment.”

The Mercury Switch Removal Program requires the safe removal, handling, storage and recycling of toxic mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles by utilizing California’s existing auto dismantling and recycling industries.

Historically, mercury light switches were used in automobiles for convenience lights (under the hood or in the trunk) and in anti-lock braking systems. Automakers have since phased out the use of these mercury switches in new vehicles. However, based on industry data, there is an estimated 150-200 tons of mercury contained in the vehicles currently on the road in North America.