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Letter to the Editor

Automotive Recyclers Association Praises Maine for Nation's First Law to Require Manufacturer Responsibility for Mercury Switch Recovery

The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) praised the Maine legislature's passage of the nation's first law to mandate manufacturer responsibility for the removal of toxic mercury from vehicles. The law requires automakers to create a system for removing and safely disposing of the mercury used in cars and trucks.

The passage of the law verifies ARA's position that manufacturers need to take a more active role in the problems that their vehicle designs produce. It also opens up the possibility for other states to take notice and pass similar legislation.

The Maine law creates a manufacturer-funded system for removing and disposing of mercury-added components, such as switches in hood and trunk lights, before vehicles are crushed or shredded for recycling. Currently, there is no such system, and many mercury switches remain in the vehicles as they go through the recycling process, which can potentially lead to environmental and health hazards.

"This is an issue that has been created by the manufacturers, as they have chosen to put mercury in their vehicles. To our knowledge, automakers have yet to fully disclose their historical uses of mercury as well as specific models that contain mercury. Our members simply cannot assume the significant responsibility for disposing of these toxic substances," said Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Executive Vice President Bill Steinkuller.

Automakers opposed the legislation, and sought instead to create a state-run system funded by fees on new and used car sales through dealers. This amendment, along with other weakening provisions, ultimately failed to gain enough votes. The bill now awaits the governor's signature. Maine's auto mercury law should lead the way for the rest of the nation in ensuring automobiles continue to be America's most recycled product.

Founded in 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has represented an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts, and the proper disposal of inoperable motor vehicles. With programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR) and other partnerships with automotive manufacturers, automotive recycling will continue to provide consumers with quality, low cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a "greener" tomorrow.

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