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Mercury-containing Products Legislation

Federal Legislation | State Legislation | International Legislation

Federal Legislation

EPA's Universal Waste Rule - designed to reduce the amount of hazardous waste items in the municipal solid waste stream. It encourages recycling and proper disposal of certain mercury-containing items, such as batteries, thermostats, and lamps.

Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery Management Act (the "Battery Act") - signed into law on May 13, 1996, restricted the sale of certain batteries that contain mercury.

Discarded Mercury-Containing Equipment Rule

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State Legislation

Many states have enacted legislation and written regulations with the goal of reducing mercury emissions to air, land, and water. Consult Safe Mercury Management Site for State Legislation and Regulations for details on activity in all 50 states. Two examples of mercury legislation are:

Maine

Law to mandate manufacturer responsibility (Word) Exit EPA- passed in 2002 making it the nation's first state to require the removal of toxic mercury from vehicles. The law requires automakers to create a statewide system for collecting and recycling mercury-added switches from motor vehicles. Additionally, the law prohibits the sale of vehicles that contain mercury switches.

Vermont

Law requiring labeling of mercury-containing products Exit EPA- passed in 1998 and was the first to require such labels on thermostats, thermometers, electric relay switches, medical instruments, fluorescent lamps, and batteries that contain mercury.

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International Legislation

European Union

Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive (PDF) (5 pp., 115 KB, About PDF)Exit EPA- passed in October 2002, will ban the sale of new electrical and electronic equipment containing mercury starting on July 1, 2006.

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