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Automotive Recyclers of Washington - Mercury Switches

New cars no longer have mercury switches, but millions of older cars do.

Mercury switches were used under the hood and trunk in convenience lighting switches and anti-lock brakes in automobiles until 2003. Many of these cars are still on the road and many are now being scrapped. Auto recyclers and scrap-metal processors now have a chance to earn cash while helping to protect our future.

When vehicles reach their end-of-life, they are crushed and shredded for recycling. After shredding, the metal is melted down for reuse. During this process, the mercury in vehicles can be released to the air, water and land.

Auto switches are one of the nation’s largest manufacturing sources of toxic mercury.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed in 2006 between the Department of Ecology, the Automotive Recyclers of Washington (AROW), and the End-of-Life Vehicle Solutions Corporation (ELVS— an organization made up of automobile manufacturers who used mercury switches).

Washington Motor Vehicle Switch Removal Program  Auto Recyclers participating in the program are reimbursed three dollars per switch. If you are a Washington State auto recycler (dismantler or wrecking yard) or scrap metal processor, please see the link below for how to sign up to earn $3/switch.

• Auto Recyclers earn $3/switch
• Which makes and models are affected?

A ball-bearing switch is a safe and effective replacement for a mercury-containing convenience light or ABS sensor.

• How can a citizen have their mercury switches removed?

For more information, contact Jan Brydsen at jbry461@ecy.wa.gov or call 509-575-2477.