State Legislation and Regulations

Legal Terms

Act: A bill enacted into law by Congress or by a state legislature.

Bill: A legislative proposal for enactment of a law. It is called a bill until it is passed and signed, at which time it is termed an act, law, or statute.

Ordinance: A statute enacted by a city or town.

Regulation: Rules and administrative codes issued by governmental agencies at all levels, municipal, county, state and federal. Although they are not laws, regulations have the force of the law, since they are adopted under authority granted by statutes, and often include penalties for violations.

Resolution: Legislative bodies pass resolutions. They are often statements of policy, belief or appreciation.

Acronyms

HB = House bill
SB = Senate bill
AB = Assembly bill
LS = Legislative session

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Many states have enacted legislation and written regulations with the goal of reducing mercury emissions to air, land, and water. These actions cover a variety of topics, including banning the sale of certain mercury-containing products, enacting product-labeling legislation, establishing disposal bans and establishing education and collection programs for mercury and mercury-containing products. Links to state legislation, regulations, resolutions, and county/city ordinances are listed below, sorted by state. All links exit EPA.

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Acts (Bills enacted into law) or Resolutions	Bills not passed/returned	Active Bills	Regulations/ Ordinances

**Alabama**
	Chapter 335-14-11: Standards for Universal Waste management.

	SB 323 (LS: 05): Mercury Switch Removal Act of 2005. The act requires automobile manufacturers to pay for the removal and recycling of mercury switches from vehicles before they are flattened or shredded for recycling (PDF). (11 pp, 61K) HB 2665 (LS: 05): The act prohibits the use of state funds to pay for the installation of mercury vapor outdoor lamps and would prohibit electric utilities from installing mercury vapor outdoor lamps (PDF). (1 pg, 22K)
	Reg. 23 262.11: General fluorescent lamp regulations.

	AB 1415 (LS: 05): The act prohibits a person from selling, offering to sell, or distributing for promotional purposes in this state, a mercury switch or mercury relay, as defined. The bill would exclude from this prohibition a switch or relay, as specified, that was in use prior to January 1, 2007. AB 455 (LS: 03): Toxics in Packaging Prevention Act. AB 999 (LS: 03): The act establishes insurance requirements for alternatives to mercury amalgam fillings. AB 1369 (LS: 03): The act bans the sale of mercury thermostats by January 1, 2006, with exemptions for blind or visually impaired people or for manufacturing or industrial purposes. The act also prohibits landfilling mercury thermostats. AB 1699 (LS: 03): The act establishes the Mercury Recycling Enhancement Act of 2003. It prohibits any person from disposing of a fluorescent lamp in a solid waste facility. AB 2901 (LS: 03): The act requires the recycling of cell phones, in part due to the presence of mercury in the phones. AB 2943 (LS: 03): Mercury Pollution Prevention Act of 2004. The act prohibits the sale of products with added mercury beginning in 2006 at a level of 1,000 milligrams per product, decreasing to a level of 10 milligrams after January 1, 2008. SB 20 (LS: 03): The act creates an electronics recycling program. SB 633 (LS: 01-02): Mercury Reduction Act of 2001. The act prohibits the sale of vehicles manufactured after January 1, 2005 that contain mercury switches.
	SB 423 (LS: 05): This bill authorizes a manufacturer or person to sell a mercury switch or relay or a product with mercury switch or relay to the Department of Toxic Substances Control.

	HB 5528 (LS: 04): The act establishes a working group to evaluate: (1) the uses of lamps with a mercury content of between 100 milligrams and one gram, and (2) alternatives to those lamps.
	HB 6522 (LS: 05): This bill amends the general statutes to require labeling of fluorescent light bulbs containing mercury. HB 6803 (LS: 05): This bill expands the restriction on mercury in packages to including packaging. HB 6879 (LS: 05): This bill revises the state statutes on restrictions of mercury-containing products by expanding the exception for the restriction on the sale or distribution of mercury-added products to include additional high intensity discharge lamps; by exempting button cell batteries and products containing such batteries from the labeling requirements of the mercury reduction provisions; by revising the labeling requirements for luminaries; and by exempting button cell batteries containing mercury and products containing such batteries from the collection requirements of the mercury reduction provisions. SB 1187 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the sale of motor vehicles containing mercury switches and headlamps and to establish a program to recover such switches and headlamps when motor vehicles are recycled.
	Department of Environmental Protection revises hazardous waste regulations. (See Universal Waste) Chapter 446m: Sec 22a-612 to 22a-625: Mercury Reduction and Education. Chapter 446d: Solid waste management regulations: Sec 22a-209g: Labeling of products containing mercury. Sec 22a-209h: Information regarding mercury content of certain electric lamps. Report regarding mercury in waste stream. Sec. 22a-209i: Universal Waste rule. Fluorescent lamps.

	HB 108 (LS: 143rd GA): This act eliminates the use of mercury-containing vaccines for pregnant women and for children under eight years of age. This prohibition is phased in over the next 3 years.
	Standards for Universal Waste management (PDF). (19 pp, 84K)

	403.7192 (LS: 04): The act establishes product-banning legislation for batteries. 403.7186 (LS: 03) The act requires the management of mercury-containing devices and lamps: Disposal legislation.
	S 0690 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the use of vaccines that contain mercury in immunizing a minor or a woman who is knowingly pregnant against communicable diseases.
	Management of spent mercury-containing lamps and devices destined for recycling: Disposal regulation (PDF) (9 pp, 55K) 403.7192 (LS: 04) The act regards batteries. It contains requirements for consumers, manufacturers, and sellers; and penalties.

	HB 475, SB 455 & SB 1004 (LS: 05): These bills establishe a task force to prepare a statewide policy and plan for the management of electronic waste, in part due to the presence of mercury. SB 1077 (LS: 05): This bill directs the department of health to adopt rules to establish a cathode ray tube recycling program, in part due to the presence of mercury in CRTs. This bill prohibits placing cathode ray tubes in landfills after July 1, 2008. SB 1505 (LS: 05): This bill appropriates funds for the establishment of a 2-year pilot computer recycling and disposal program in at least two public schools in the State, in part due to the presence of mercury in computers.
	11-273: Standards for Universal Waste management.

	HB 051, SB 1679 & SB 1875 1 (LS: 94th GA): This act provides that a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury-containing vaccine or injected with a mercury-containing product that contains more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose. HB 1149 (LS: 94th GA): This act creates the Computer Equipment Disposal and Recycling Commission. The act requires that the Commission issue a report of its findings and recommendations related to the disposal and recycling of computer equipment on or before May 31, 2006. SB 2551 (LS: 93rd GA): Public Act 093-0964. Mercury Reduction Act. The act establishes and implements a multi-state clearinghouse to assist in carrying out mercury reduction. The act deals with mercury-containing switches, relays, scientific instruments, instructional equipment and mercury use in schools. HB1530 & SB 0351(LS: 93rd GA): Public Act 093-0165. Mercury Thermometer Prohibition Act. SB 455 (LS: 93rd GA): The act prohibits the use of mercury amalgam in dental procedures for pregnant women and for children under eight years old. Go to SB 455
	HB 5578 (LS: 94th GA): This bill creates the Mercury Switch Removal Act. The bill provides that mercury switches removed from end-of-life vehicles must be managed in accordance with the Environmental Protection Act and regulations adopted thereunder. HB 2346 (LS 94th GA): This bill amends the Environmental Protection Act and sets forth restrictions on the disposal of covered electronic devices. HB 3607 (LS 94th GA): This bill amends the Mercury Fever Thermometer Prohibition Act. This bill makes a technical change in a section concerning the manufacture of mercury fever thermometers.
	Chicago, Illinois: Ordinance on the sale of mercury thermometers.

	HB 1300, HB 1674 & SB 208 (LS: 03): The act establishes education and collection programs for mercury and mercury-containing products. HB 1901 (LS: 03): The act prohibits mercury-added products intended mainly for personal, household enjoyment or adornment, and for use in schools. It also requires the establishment of mercury collection programs.
	SB 0169 (LS: 05): This bill requires the Environmental Quality Service Council to study issues concerning the establishment and operation of mercury recovery and recycling programs in Indiana during the 2005 interim.
	C 13-20-17.5 (LS: 03): Mercury and mercury containing product-banning regulation; school regulation. C 13-20-17 (LS: 03): Product-banning regulation that contain restrictions on mercury-containing batteries (PDF) (2 pp, 66K) C 13-21-3 (LS: 03): Disposal regulation. Indiana Department of Environmental Management: Mercury laws and regulations Indiana Code IC 13-20-17.5 Mercury and Mercury Products Law Indiana Code IC 13-20-17 - Restrictions on Batteries Containing Mercury

	LD 185 (LS: 122th): The act amends the Law of Mercury-added Products that will raise the minimum bounty to $3 per switch. LD 692 (LS: 122th): The act requires the removal of mercury switches from end-of -life vehicles. LD 1665 (LS: 119th): The act requires manufacturers of formulated products to disclose mercury content. LD 2084 (LS: 119th): The act establishes product-labeling legislation to reduce the release of mercury. LD 1308 (LS: 120th): The act establishes ambient water quality criteria for mercury. LD 1921 (LS: 120th): The act prevents mercury emissions when recycling and disposing of motor vehicles. LD 2004 (LS: 120th): The act phases out the availability of mercury-added products. LD 1409 (LS 120th): The act requires dentists to inform patients of the health effects of mercury fillings. LD 385 (LS: 121st): The act establishes reporting requirements for the Mercury Switch Removal Program for motor vehicles. LD 697 (LS: 121st): The act requires the installation of dental amalgam separator systems in dental offices. LD 743 (LS: 121st): The act bans the incineration and landfilling of mercury-containing electronic equipment. LD 1159 (LS: 121st): The act reduces mercury in measuring devices and switches. LD 1549 (LS: 121st): The act provides revenue to help fund municipal household hazardous waste collection programs.
	LD 1338 (LS: 122nd): This bill is for the "transition to mercury-free dentistry". As of January 1, 2007, it prohibits the placement of mercury amalgam filings in children under 6 and pregnant women, and as of January 1, 2008, prohibits all mercury amalgam fillings. LD 1327 (LS: 122nd): This bill is titled "An Act to Prohibit the Use of Mercury Fillings". It requires the elimination of mercury in dental offices over a 3-year period. LD 1058 (LS: 122nd): This bill regulates the use of batteries containing mercury. It bans the disposal of mercuric oxide containing button cell batteries in landfills, incinerators or by other means in which the mercury would be released to the environment, requires retailers to accept used batteries back from consumers and includes novelties with batteries that contain mercury in the definition of mercury-added products. LD 854 (LS: 122nd): This bill bans the distribution of children's products that contain mercury batteries.
	PL 2003 Chapter 221 An Act to Reduce Mercury Use in Measuring Devices and Switches. Freeport, Maine: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance (Word). Chapter 16-B 1661-C: Restrictions on the sale and use of mercury-added products and services. Chapter 16-B 1665-A: Prohibition on the sale of new motor vehicles with mercury switches. Chapter 16-B 1661-1771: Index to mercury-added products and services. Chapter 16-B 1671: Creation of regional, multi-state clearinghouse for mercury-added products and services.

	HB 136 (LS: 04): The act prohibits manufacturers and retailers from selling, on or after April 1, 2006, specified products that contain mercury unless a specified label is affixed to the product. HB 75 (LS: 01): The act contains product-banning and school legislation.
	HB 86 (LS: 05): The bill prohibits children under three years old and women who are known to be pregnant from being vaccinated with certain vaccines that contain, or injected with a product that contains mercury or other heavy metals. The act is effective on or after July 1, 2006.

	HB 3772 (LS: 02): The act bans the sale of mercury-added fever thermometers.
	H 1293 & H 4319 (LS: 05): This bill is known as the "Mercury Free Vehicle Act of 2005" and would require manufacturers to set up a mercury switch recovery program with a goal to recover 90% of the mercury switches. H 1296 & H 4319 (LS: 05): This bill seeks to eliminate the emission of mercury from vehicles and would require the removal of all mercury-containing components from vehicles before they are crushed. Manufacturers would need to implement plans for the recovery of mercury components from discarded vehicles, including reimbursement for the cost of removal of these components. H 1362 & H 4319 (LS: 05): This bill seeks the removal of mercury switches from vehicles, with responsibility for the development and implementation of a plan by manufacturers. H 1392 & H 4319 (LS: 05): This bill known as the "Act Relative to Safer Alternatives for Mercury Containing Products," includes bans on the sales of mercury switches and relays, including thermostats. H 2694 (LS: 05): This bill requires amalgam separators in dental offices and notification to patients about risks of mercury amalgam. H 3836 (LS: 05): This bill regards prohibiting the use of certain vaccines and serums containing mercury. H 3898 (LS: 05): This bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to regulate the handling of mercury by dentists.
	Chapter 270: Section 24: These regulations pertain to persons selling or supplying mercury thermometers, and provides instructions regarding breakage. Worcester, Massachusetts: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. Natick, Massachusetts: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. Cohasset, Massachusetts: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. Haverhill, Massachusetts: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. Boston, Massachusetts: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. 310 CMR 30.000: Hazardous waste regulations.

	PA 493 of 2006 (formerly SB 123 (LS: 06)): This act prohibits the sale of mercury-added blood pressure devices by January 1, 2008 and their uses by January 1, 2009. The act has two exceptions: in home use and calibration of mercury-free devices in health care facilities, if deemed warranted (PDF) (2 pp, 4K) PA 492 of 2006 (formerly SB 124 (LS: 06)): This act bans the sale of thermostats that contain mercury or a mercury compound beginning January 1, 2009. It does not apply if the thermostat is a replacement for an existing mercury-containing thermostat or a mercury compound that is a component of an appliance. The term "appliance" is defined in PA 494 (PDF) (2 pp, 4K) PA 494 of 2006 (formerly SB 186 (LS: 06)): This act bans the sale of esophageal dilators, bougie tubes and gastrointestinal tubes that contain mercury or mercury-compounds beginning January 1, 2009 (PDF) (2 pp, 4K) PA 578 of 2002 (formerly HB 4599 (LS: 02)): The act contains mercury thermometer product-banning legislation (PDF) (2 pp, 4K) PA 376 of 2000 (formerly SB 1262 (LS: 01): The act creates school legislation to remove and prohibit purchase of mercury products (PDF) (1 pg, 4K)
	HB 5162 & SB 0720 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the use of an immunization that contains more than 1 microgram of mercury or a mercury compound. HB 5155 (LS: 05): This bill seeks to ban the sale of all mercury-containing products as of January 1, 2008, with a provision for manufacturers to apply for an exemption. Mercury-containing novelties will be banned from sale as of January 1, 2006, without the potential of an exemption. HB 4948 (LS: 05): This bill requires that persons who are in the business of repairing household items handle removed mercury components as hazardous waste, universal waste or returning them to take-back centers established by a manufacturer. HB 4618 (LS: 05): This bill bans the landfilling or incineration of mercury, with some exemptions. HB 4586 (LS: 05): This bill requires manufacturers to label products containing mercury, including information on how to dispose of the product and how to handle spills or leaks. HB 4583 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the disposal of mercury or a mercury compound in a wastewater disposal system, including, but not limited to, an individual home septic system, unless the disposal is authorized by a permit under part 31. HB 4461 (LS :05): This bill requires state agencies to avoid the purchase of products which contain mercury whenever possible. HB 4035 & SB 0124 (LS: 05): This bill requires that thermostats manufactured with mercury shall be labeled, including spill instructions by 2006, and bans their sale as of January 1, 2010. HB 4036 (LS: 05): This bill requires manufacturers of any mercury-added products for sale in the State to label the products, and to provide instructions for proper disposal and proper cleanup, beginning January 1, 2005. SB 0123 (LS: 05): This bill bans the sale of blood pressure cuffs as of January 1, 2006 and bans their use as of January 1, 2010. SB 0158 (LS: 05): This bill bans the landfilling or incineration of a variety of mercury-containing products, including thermometers, thermostats, switches, novelties, fluorescent lamps and mercuric oxide batteries. SB 0187 (LS: 05): This bill requires beginning January 1, 2005, a manufacturer of any mercury-added product intended for sale in MI or for use in the State must add to each product a label indicating that the product contains mercury and to provide instructions with the mercury-added product on the proper disposal of the product and proper cleanup of the mercury or mercury compound if a spill, leak, or discharge occurs. SB 0201 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the landfilling or incineration of mercury-containing products. SB 0361 (LS: 05): This bill imposes requirements for state agencies to avoid purchasing products containing mercury under certain circumstances. SB 0402 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the sale of a light switch with mercury. SB 0421& SB 0552 (LS: 05): This bill requires that a person who is in the business of replacing or repairing fluorescent or high-density discharge lamps that are mercury-added products for industrial, commercial, office, or multi-unit residential structures not place those items or a component of those items into the waste stream, unless handled as universal waste, hazardous waste, or taken to a manufacturer's take-back program.
	Livonia, Michigan: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. Ann Arbor, Michigan: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance.

	SF 1085 (LS:07): The act requires labeling and public education for the sale of fluorescent and high-intensity discharge lamps; requires the recycling of these lamps; bans the sale of mercury-containing sphygmomanometers; gastrointestinal devices, thermostats, barometers, pyrometers, manometers, diostats, cosmetics, toiletries, fragrances, over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, switches and relays; and bans the purchase or use of both elemental mercury and specific mercury-containing products in schools. HF 274 & SF 70 (LS: 02): The act contains mercury thermometer product-banning legislation. HF 2602 & SF 1934 (LS: 03): The act requires the removal of mercury switches from automobiles and requires a report by motor vehicle recyclers.
	HF 0661 & SF 0641 (LS: 05): This bill requires the removal of mercury amalgam restorations prior to cremation of human corpses and the installation of amalgam separators in dental offices. HF 1505 & SF 0639 (LS: 05): This bill requires, effective July 1, 2005, that vaccines administered in the state shall not contain any mercury or mercury compounds, including but not limited to thimerosal, unless: (1) a vaccine containing no mercury is not manufactured; or (2) the provider finds that the mercury-free vaccine is not obtainable by utilizing best efforts, because the vaccine is not on the market for sale.
	Fergus Falls, Minnesota: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. Duluth, Minnesota: Mercury thermometer product-banning ordinance. 115A.932, 116.92, & 116.93: Regulations regarding the Minnesota Waste Management Act. (Mercury laws as amended through the 2001 legislative session) (PDF) (6 pp, 24K)

	HB 1251 (LS: 02): The act prohibits the use of mercury amalgam fillings by dentists. HB 655 (LS: 01): The act creates a disposal fee to fund local mercury pre-sorting and recycling programs. HB 675 (LS: 01): The act establishes restrictions on the sale, labeling, and disposal of certain mercury-added products. HB 625 (LS: 99): The act establishes a mercury emissions reduction and control program and a study of mercury in ash landfills. HB 253-FN (LS: 02): The act sets time frames within which certain municipal waste combustors must comply with mercury emission limits. HB 654-FN (LS: 01): The act establishes a presorting program to remove mercury from waste prior to incineration at certain facilities. SB 185 (LS: 03): The act requires vehicle manufacturers to establish a program to recover mercury switches in automobiles. HB 1418 (LS: 00): The act prohibits the sale of mercury thermometers without a prescription and the sale of novelty items like toys, games and ornaments.
	HB 371 (LS: 05): This bill bans the disposal of mercury-added products in solid waste landfills or transfer stations and solid waste management facilities or any business in New Hampshire that accepts appliances or motor vehicles for salvage, recycling, or disposal. Auto shredders are responsible for removing mercury-added components, except lamps used for backlighting or displays, prior to crushing, shredding, or other scrap metal processing. HB 562 (LS: 05): Beginning January 1, 2007 this bill prohibits the sale or distribution for any purpose a mercury-added product if the mercury content of the product exceeds one gram in the case of fabricated mercury-added products or two hundred fifty parts per million in the case of formulated mercury-added products.
	Section 125 M:5: Mercury emission compliance regulation. Section 149 M:28: Restrictions on battery sales and disposal; exemptions. Section 149 M:52: No mercury-added product can be sold, used or distributed in the state.

	S1292 & A2482 (LS: 05): Mercury Switch Removal Act of 2004. The act establishes a program for the removal of mercury switches from scrapped vehicles (PDF). (11 pp, 58K) A3377, A3486 & S1841 (LS: 05): The act bans the sale of mercury thermometers (PDF). (2 pp, 28K) S1202 & A2626 (LS: 02): The act requires the posting of mercury health warnings for pregnant women in doctors' offices.
	S2801 & A4433 (LS: 05): This bill phases out the use of mercury in vaccinations over a period of three years (PDF). (3 pp, 32K)
	N.J.A.C. 7:26A-1: Recycling regulations (PDF). (108 pp, 304K) N.J.A.C. 7:26G-1: Hazardous waste regulations (PDF) (183 pp, 457K) N.J.A.C. 7:26H-1: Solid waste utility regulations (PDF) (120 pp, 270K)

	S 01070 & A 05275 (LS: 05): The act prohibits the use, purchase and storage of mercury and mercury instruments in schools. Mercury instruments may continue to be used if no reasonably acceptable mercury-free alternative is available, so long as the mercury instrument used has the lowest mercury content available. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Health to compile, produce and distribute material advising schools of the hazards of elemental mercury and how to reduce such hazards. S 02707 & H 5543 (LS: 05): The act prohibits the administration of any vaccine or immunization that contains mercury. S07399 & A10051(LS: 04): The act requires labeling and recycling of mercury-added consumer products.
	A 01560 (LS: 05): This bill enacts "The Mercury Free Water Resources and Mercury Reduction Management Strategy Act of 2005." This bill provides for: disclosure of mercury content, phase-out of mercury-added products, disposal prohibition, labeling, source separation, collection, requirements for sewage treatment plants, point source release containment traps, bans sale or distribution of certain mercury products, replacement of manometers and gas pressure regulators, regulates dental use and bans health insurance discrimination therein, requires lamp recycling; adds all mercury-added products to state universal waste rules; provides for a state advisory committee on mercury pollution. A 02307 (LS: 05): This bill bans the sale of mercury fever thermometers without a prescription. A 03336 (LS: 05): This bill enacts the "mercury-free vehicle act of 2005"; requires automobile manufacturers to establish and implement plans which provide for the removal, replacement, collection and recovery of mercury-added components from motor vehicles currently on the road or about to be scrapped. S 01582 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the use of mercury-containing gauges and manometers and the sale of mercury-containing fever thermometers. A 06850 & S 04469 (LS 05): This bill prohibits the sale and distribution of certain additional mercury-added products including thermostats, barometers, esophageal dilators, bougie tubes, gastrointestinal tubes, flow meters, hydrometers, hygrometers, psychrometers, manometers, pyrometers, sphygmomanometers, thermometers, switches and relays; requires manufactures and trade associations dealing in mercury-added products to report certain information to the Department of Environmental Conservation. S 01582 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the use of mercury-containing gauges and manometers and the sale of mercury-containing fever thermometers. S 04309 (LS: 05): This bill makes provisions relating to mercury-added novelty products and includes motor vehicles under the definition of mercury-added consumer product.
	Title 21 27-2101: Mercury-Added Consumer Products. Title 9 27-0926: These regulations regard the use and recycling of elemental mercury and dental amalgam by dentists. Westchester City, New York: Ordinance to ban the sale and use of certain products containing mercury. Suffolk County, New York: Ordinance to ban sale of mercury fever thermometers.

	HB 1136 (LS: 05): The goal of the Mercury Switch Removal Act is to reduce mercury releases into the environment by the removal, collection and recovery of mercury switches from certain motor vehicles. A capture rate of at least 90% is required. Vehicle recyclers and scrap metal recycling facilities will be reimbursed $5.00 for each mercury switch. SB 1078 (LS: 02): The act calls for mercury reduction via the Clean Smokestacks Act.
	HB 413, HB 1269 & HB 1531 (LS: 05): This bill sets up study commissions. The commission will study measures to reduce the quantity of mercury that is released into the environment, that impacts natural resources, and whether it harms the public health of the citizens of the State. The study will also determine whether the State should only purchase products that contain no mercury, conduct public education on the hazards of mercury release and determine proper methods of mercury disposal. HB 1364 (LS: 05): This bill restricts the use of thimerosal in vaccines for pregnant women and children under the age of eight and require public education on thimerosal. HB 1502 (LS: 05): This bill bans bulk elemental mercury or chemical mercury compounds for use in a primary or secondary classroom and require local boards, by January 1, 2006, to remove from all primary and secondary schools and properly dispose of all bulk elemental mercury, chemical mercury, and bulk mercury compounds used as teaching aids in science classrooms, not including barometers. SB 1014 (LS: 05): This bill sets up a manufacturer requirement for the removal of mercury switches from vehicles, with a minimum payment of $5 for the removal of switches by vehicle recyclers and scrap metal facilities.
	D537: Mercury emissions regulation (PDF). (1 pg, 50K)

	SB 49 (LS: 05): This bill limits the use of vaccines containing mercury. SB 70 (LS: 05): This bill provides that starting June 1, 2005, no person may offer any mercury-added product for sale or distribute any such product for promotional purposes unless the manufacturer provides prior notification in writing to the Director of Environmental Protection.
	3745-273-04: Management standards for Universal Waste.

	SB 704 (LS:07): The act requires dentists to have amalgam separators installed in wastewater drains if materials containing mercury pass through the drains. The law also establishes requirements regarding proof of installation and maintaining amalgam separator maintenance logs. Dentists who follow guidelines for best management of dental waste recommended by the Oregon Dental Association and who are certified by special districts that manage wastewater treatment as following guidelines are exempt from special requirements until January 1, 2011. HB 3007 (LS: 01): The act states that mercury thermostats should be managed as a universal waste. The act also requires that mercury switches be removed from cars before recycling.
	SB 740 (LS: 05): This bill requires manufacturers to set up electronics recycling programs and to report to the state the amount of mercury contained in certain electronic equipment sold in the state. SB 823 (LS: 05): This bill restricts use of vaccines containing mercury by pregnant women and children under three years of age.

	HB 337: (LS: 93): The act regulates toxic materials in packaging.
	SB 1201: (LS: 06): A bill to coordinate plans to reduce mercury emissions from new and existing stationary sources in this Commonwealth; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and limiting certain powers of the Environmental Quality Board. SB 391 & HB 1162 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits, with some exemptions, that on or after January 1, 2006, the vaccination with a mercury-containing vaccine of a person who is knowingly pregnant or who is under three years of age. SB 524 (LS: 05): This bill is known as the "Mercury-Free Motor Vehicle Act" and requires manufacturers to develop and implement a plan for the removal of mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles. SB 527 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits the sale of mercury thermometers.
	Chapter 261a.8: Requirements for Universal Waste (PDF) (34 pp, 207K) Chapter 266.b: Universal Waste management regulation.

State Legislation and Regulations

Legal Terms

Local Navigation

	H 5911 (LS: 05): The act requires manufacturers of motor vehicles sold in Rhode Island to establish and implement a collection program for mercury switches. S 0137 & S 0611(LS: 05): The "Mercury Reduction and Education Act" modifies existing law for the definition of a mercury-added product to be one in which ten milligrams or more of mercury is added (PDF). (6 pp, 18K) S 3209 & H 8639 (LS: 04): This resolution urges the Mercury Reduction Oversight Commission to prevent mercury pollution from auto parts. S 0851 (LS: 03): This resolution, known as the Mercury Safe School Program, encourages schools to participate in the program to eliminate or reduce and manage mercury-containing items within their schools.
	H 5910 (LS: 05): This bill eliminates the following exemption from the ban of novelty items containing mercury batteries: the sale, use or distribution of a novelty that incorporates one or more mercury added button cell batteries as its only mercury added component or components. H 6115 (LS: 05): This bill is known as the "Electronic Waste Producer Responsibility Act" and requires manufacturers to develop electronics recycling systems, based, in part, on the presence of mercury in electronics. S 0235 (LS: 05): This bill modifies the "Toxic Packaging Reduction Act" that limits the use of toxics, including mercury, in packaging. H 6116, S 0821 & S 0865 (LS: 05): This bill is titled "The Mercury Switch Removal Act of 2005" and requires manufacturers to develop and implement plans for the removal of mercury switches from vehicles, including a minimum payment of $3 per switch removed by vehicle recyclers and scrap metal recyclers. S 0826 (LS: 05): This bill is the "Electronic Waste Producer Act" and calls for the development of recycling systems, based, in part, on the presence of mercury in electronics. SB 2021 & H 6743 (LS: 05): This bill requires the establishment of local government e-scrap recycling programs, based, in part, on the presence of mercury in electronics. S 1162 & H 6598 (LS: 05): This bill extends the implementation dates for several provisions of the Mercury Reduction and Education Act.
	DEM OWM-HW12-02: Rules and regulations for hazardous waste management (PDF). (76 pp, 245K) Chapter 23-24.9: Mercury Reduction and Education Act

	H 4018 (LS: 05): This joint resolution directs the Department of Health and Environmental Control to prepare a report to be submitted to the General Assembly before January 1, 2007, that, among other things, provides a strategy for minimizing and eliminating mercury use in priority products.
	H 3922 & S 0709 (LS: 05): This bill is known as the mercury switch removal act. It provides that every manufacturer of motor vehicles sold in this state develop a mercury minimization plan to be filed with the department of health and environmental control; to provide for certain costs with regard to the collection and recovery of mercury switches to be paid by the vehicle manufacturer; to provide recycling, storage, and disposal of mercury switches. H 4019 & S 805 (LS: 05): This bill requires that a school not possess, use, or purchase elemental mercury or a mercury compound; and to require that the Department of Health and Environmental Control and the Department of Education conducts mercury collection events throughout the state to ensure that existing mercury supplies are collected, removed, and recycled properly. S 178 (LS: 05): This bill sets up an electronics recycling program, in part due to the presence of mercury in the equipment.

	HB 0467 & SB 0673 (LS: 05): These bills require manufacturers to set up an electronics recycling program and to report to the state on the quantity of mercury used in their products that are exempted from the European Restriction on Hazardous Substances (RoHS) requirements, and sold within the state. HB 0902 & SB 0824 (LS: 05): These bills prohibit immunizations from containing mercury. HB 0956 & SB 1616 (LS: 05): This bill requires, beginning January 1, 2007, that immunizations administered to children less than eight (8) years of age should not contain any mercury preservatives, including but not limited to thimerosal.
	Chapter 1200-1-11: Universal Waste regulation (PDF) (29 pp, 61K)

	HB 2793 (LS: 05): The act requires vehicle manufactures to develop an informational program for the location and methods of removal of mercury convenience switches from end-of-life vehicles, and pay the costs of packaging and shipping of the manufacturer's convenience switches to recycling, storage, or disposal facilities; and recycling, storing, or disposing of the manufacturer's removed convenience switches. (Enter in bill search (RS 05): HB2793) HB 1891 & SB 1400 (LS: 03): The act requires the labeling of ingredients in drugs, including mercury.
	HB 1359 & SB 564 (LS: 05): The bill relates to the establishment of a program for the disposition of electronic equipment in a manner that protects the water and other natural resources of the state, including a prohibition of the use of mercury in electronics. (Enter in text search: Mercury) HB 2887 (LS: 05): The bill requires vehicle manufactures to develop and implement a plan to remove and recycle mercury convenience switches with a minimum reimbursement of $5 per switch to vehicle and scrap metal recyclers.

	H 0497 & S 0084 (LS: 05): The act is known as "Comprehensive Management of Exposure to Mercury" and, among other items, proposes to establish a comprehensive approach to reducing the exposure of citizens to mercury released in the environment through mercury-added product use and disposal, including requirements that manufacturers of mercury-added products provide certain notice to the agency and report on total mercury contained in certain products, a ban on the distribution or offering for sale of mercury-added novelties, fever thermometers, thermostats, and dairy manometers, and other devices, and to modify the existing labeling requirements for mercury-added products and packaging by expanding the types of products subject to labeling. Joint Resolution H 041 (LS: 05): This resolution calls for Congress to appropriate funds to the Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, or any other appropriate federal agency or department, to enable the Vermont agency of agriculture, food and markets to restart the mercury dairy manometer removal and replacement program. S 091 (LS: 02): The act contains requirements for mercury-added product notifications, phase-outs, disposal bans, product bans and an interstate clearinghouse. H 158 (LS: 99): The act contains a littering prohibition for mercury waste. S 181 (LS: 98): The act requires that manufacturers in Vermont create a system for the collection, transportation and recycling of waste mercury-added consumer retail products. The act also prohibits the disposal and requires labeling of these mercury added consumer products.
	S 0143 (LS: 05): This bill proposes to require the labeling of health care products that contain mercury and that are offered for sale, sold at final sale, or distributed within the state. The bill proposes that this labeling take place by no later than July 1, 2007, and that it be in accordance with a manufacturer's plan that shall be submitted by October 1, 2006.
	Title 10: Chapter 159. 6621d. This regulation states that a manufacturer or wholesaler may not sell certain listed items if they contain mercury-added during manufacture, unless the item is labeled. Title 10: Chapter 159. 6621e. Creation of an advisory committee on mercury pollution. Title 10: Chapter 159. 6621a. Landfill disposal requirements for mercury consumer products. Subchapter 9. 7-900: Universal Waste standards (PDF) (20 pp, 44K)

	SB 1106 (LS: 03): The act bans the sale of liquid fever thermometers.
	SB 187 (LS: 05): This bill requires the Board of Dentistry to promulgate regulations for the appropriate and safe use of dental amalgams containing mercury. HB 447 & SB88 (LS: 06): This bill relates to certification by vehicle demolishers of removal of mercury switches in motor vehicles prior to demolition.

	SB 6090 (LS: 05): The act allocates $168,000 of the health services account appropriation to be provided solely for a two-year pilot project under which parents have the option to choose vaccines which do not contain mercury; $100,000 of the state toxics control account - state appropriation to be solely to implement HB 1002 (mercury), chapter 260, Laws of 2003; $159,000 of the state toxics control account appropriation to be provided solely to implement the mercury chemical action plan. Of this amount: (i) $84,000 is provided for development of a memorandum of understanding with the Washington state hospital association and the auto recyclers of Washington to ensure the safe removal and disposal of products containing mercury; and (ii) $75,000 to be provided for ongoing fluorescent lamp recycling. HB 1002 & SB 5124 (LS: 03): The act bans the sale of certain mercury-containing devices, including auto switches, by January 2006. HB 1235 & SB 5403 (LS: 03): The act provides funding to the Department of Ecology to develop plans for the reduction in the use of mercury and its discharge to the environment.
	HB 1037 & SB 5074 (LS: 05): This bill provides that $159,000 of the state toxics control account appropriation to fund the implementation of a mercury chemical action plan. Of this amount: (i) $84,000 is provided for development of a memorandum of understanding with the Washington state hospital association and the auto recyclers of Washington to ensure the safe removal and disposal of products containing mercury; and (ii) $75,000 is provided for ongoing fluorescent lamp recycling. HB 2662 & S 6428 (LS: 05): This bill provides for electronic product recycling through manufacturer financed opportunities, in part due to the presence of mercury. HB 2201 & SB 5305 (LS: 05): This bill relates to the use of mercury-containing vaccines. Beginning July 1, 2006, a person who is known to be pregnant or who is under three years of age shall not be vaccinated with a mercury-containing vaccine or injected with a mercury-containing product that contains more than 0.5 micrograms of mercury per 0.5 milliliter dose. HB 1731 & SB 5710 (LS: 05): This bill requires the removal of mercury components from end-of-life motor vehicles

	AB 721 (LS: 05): This bill prohibits a public, private, or charter school from purchasing, storing, or using free flowing elemental mercury for any purpose, or from purchasing, storing, or using an instrument containing mercury unless no reasonably acceptable, mercury-free alternative exists. SB 367 (LS: 05): This bill requires manufacturers to set up electronics recycling systems, ban the landfilling of electronics and calls for the elimination of hazardous substances in computers, including mercury.
	Douglas County, Wisconsin: Mercury Thermometer Product-Banning Ordinance Racine, Wisconsin: Mercury Thermometer Product-Banning Ordinance Stoughton, Wisconsin: Mercury Thermometer Product-Banning Ordinance DeForest, Wisconsin: Mercury Thermometer Product-Banning Ordinance Dane County, Wisconsin: Mercury Thermometer Product-Banning Ordinance Chapter NR 446: General Mercury Emission Regulation (PDF) (8 pp, 19K)