Sept 26 - CA Unveils Mercury Auto Switch Recycling Program
California Assembly Member Lloyd Levine was joined today by representatives of Californians Against Waste, the Department of Toxic Substances Control, California Auto Dismantlers, and automobile manufacturers in unveiling a new state program for recovery and recycling toxic mercury auto switches.
"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."