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Mercury Auto Switches

New cars no longer have mercury switches, but millions of older cars do.  Auto switches may be the nation’s largest source of mercury contamination from manufacturing.  Auto recyclers in Washington have been working with the Department of Ecology to remove these switches since 2006.  So far, recyclers have removed over 120,000 of these switches.

Auto Mercury Switch Removal Program offers information for auto recyclers about an opportunity to earn cash while helping to protect our future.

Car Makes and Models With Mercury Switches describes which cars contain mercury switches.

Auto Switch Replacement contains information for the public on how to have mercury switches replaced.

Ball-bearing switches are safe and effective replacements for mercury-containing convenience light switches.

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

Related information

Manage Waste for Vehicle Recyclers offers guidance on dangerous waste for auto recyclers.

Vehicle Recycling Manual: A Guide for Vehicle Recycling  is an Ecology publication that can assist Auto Recyclers with dangerous-waste management.

You Auto Recycle  is a video that can be ordered from Ecology on VHS or DVD.