US Legislation: Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008(S 906), known as the Mercury Export Ban Act of 2008, was signed into law on October 14, 2008 as Public Law No: 110-414. The law prohibits the export of elemental mercury from the United States beginning on January 1, 2010.
Mercury is found in many household, school and business products, from electronics to cosmetics to cleaning supplies. When mercury is discarded it leaches from the many common consumer products into the environment and can have many harmful effects on humans and wildlife. Reducing the purchase and use of mercury-containing products will help to reduce the amount of mercury pollution in the environment.
Takeback programs retrieve mercury-containing products from consumers and ensure that the mercury is isolated, properly recycled and is kept out of the environment where can pose health risks to humans and the environment. Takeback programs are sponsored by manufacturers and/or retailers of mercury-containing products. Some programs are partnerships between the manufacturers, retailers, local governments and trade associations.
Several non-governmental organizations across the United States have organized to promote product stewardship of mercury-containing products. Listed below are programs that are helping to promote the proper handling of products that contain mercury, reduce mercury pollution, and eliminate mercury from products altogether.
King County Take it Back Network
