HB 2127 -- Mercury Switches

Sponsor:  Fraser

This bill regulates the disposal of mercury switches in vehicles
that are being scrapped.  Manufacturers of vehicles sold in
Missouri must submit a plan to the Division of Environmental
Quality within the Department of Natural Resources which:

(1)  Identifies vehicles that have mercury switches and assists
vehicle recyclers or scrap metal recyclers in identifying the
switches;

(2)  Provides recyclers with educational materials on the safe
storage, transportation, and removal of mercury switches; and

(3)  Compensates recyclers for their costs associated with the
removal, transport, and storage of mercury switches.

Detailed requirements and a timetable for the approval of plans
by the division are specified.  Within one year of the approval
of a plan and annually thereafter, the manufacturer must file an
implementation report with the division detailing:

(1)  The number of recyclers, vehicle crushers, and scrap metal
recyclers participating;

(2)  The amount of mercury collected and the capture rate
achieved;

(3)  The number of mercury switches removed; and

(4)  Any additional or contingency plans necessary to ensure a
capture rate of at least 90%.

The penalty for violation of any provision of the bill will be a
fine of up to $1,000.  Those receiving vehicles that have been
previously scrapped will not be liable for any remaining mercury
switches.

Recyclers must keep records of the total number of mercury
switches collected by make and model of vehicle and the
percentage of vehicles containing mercury switches and make this
data available to the division.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:45 am