Northwest States Programs

Recommendations for a Mercury Containing Light Recycling Program in Washington State The Washington Department of Ecology released their report on Recommendations for a Mercury Containing Light Recycling Program in Washington State in November 2009 as directed by the Washington State Legislature. The report outlines Ecology's recommendations for a convenient and effective mercury-containing light recycling program for residents, small businesses, and small school districts throughout the state.

Washington Auto Switch Mercury Removal Program In January 2006, a Memorandum of Understanding (PDF file, 399KB) was signed by the Department of Ecology (DOE), the Automotive Recyclers of Washington (AROW), and End of Life Vehicle Solutions, a coalition group of manufacturers. Memorandum establishes the Washington Auto Switch Mercury Removal Program. Auto Recyclers participating in the program are reimbursed three dollars per switch. On the DOE website, auto recyclers can sign up for the program, read a removal guide, print labels and learn more the program.

The King County Local Hazardous Waste Management Program website also provides information about removal, storage and disposal of vehicle mercury switches. As of February 2008, Washington automobile recyclers have collected more than 45,000 light switches containing toxic mercury, preventing the equivalent of 100 pounds of this toxic chemical from entering the environment. See the DOE Press Release for more information.

Washington State Department of Ecology Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxin The Department of Ecology completed a Mercury Chemical Action Plan in 2003 as part of its Persistent, Bioaccumulative Toxics (PBT) Initiative. Ecology's PBT Strategy calls for continually reducing and, where possible, eliminating PBTs by the year 2020 by phasing out the use, production, and where possible, releases of these chemicals.

2002 Report on Washington's Mercury-Contaminated Fish

The Washington Toxics Coalition and WashPIRG released Reel Trouble: How Washington's Fish-Advisory Program Fails to Protect Consumers from Toxic Fish(PDF file, 642KB). The report documents mercury contamination of fish in bodies of water throughout Washington. It also has recommendations for the Department of Health to improve the protection of the state's residents.