Mercury > Laws and rules

Mercury Laws and Rules

Several laws and rules contribute to mercury-reduction efforts:

Mercury Education and Reduction Act (MERA) The law that followed the passage of this Act bans the sale of many Mercury-containing products and sets labeling requirements for mercury-containing light bulbs and linear fluorescent tubes.

The Mercury Chemical Action Plan (MCAP)  While not technically a law or rule, the Mercury Chemical Action Plan offers guidelines for the elimination of human-caused mercury in Washington. 

The Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins Rule This describes the rule that guides the Chemical Action Plan process.

Mercury Laws and Rules—Universal Waste Rules covers the special rules that facilitate recycling of certain mercury-containing products.

Related information:

United Nations Mercury Programme from the United Nations Environment Programme
Environmental Protection Agency's Mercury pages
Universal Waste Rule: WAC 173-303-573 is a technical information guide for businesses and consultants outlining the Universal Waste Rule for batteries, lamps, mercury-containing thermostats, and mercury-containing equipment. It identifies the differences between the federal and state rules, defines the Universal Waste categories, and details Universal Waste handler and transportation requirements. 
The Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins (PBT) Rule directs you to the actual PBT Rule.
The Mercury Education and Reduction Act (MERA) at Washington State Department of Health (DOH)
MERA fact sheet for schools from DOH
Washington State Mercury Chemical Action Plan Download the plan here.