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Batteries - The Mercury-Containing and Rechargeable Battery
Management Act of 1996 targets battery and product manufacturers and
battery waste handlers - not consumers. Different sections of the Act
apply to different types of batteries. Specifically, the Act:
- Establishes national, uniform labeling requirements for Ni-Cd and
certain SSLA rechargeable batteries.
- Mandates that Ni-Cd and certain SSLA rechargeable batteries be
"easily removable" from consumer products. A battery can be
easily removed if it is detachable or removable from the product with
the use of common household tools.
- Makes the Universal Waste Rule effective immediately in all 50
states for the collection, storage, and transportation of batteries
covered by the Battery Act. In Washington State the state Universal
Waste Rule was adopted in 1995.
- Requires EPA to establish a public education program on battery
recycling and the proper handling and disposal of used batteries. EPA
is required to consult with manufacturers and retailers to carry out
this initiative.
- Prohibits, or otherwise conditions, the sale of certain types of
mercury-containing batteries (i.e., alkaline-manganese, zinc-carbon,
button cell mercuric-oxide, and other mercuric-oxide batteries) in the
United States.
Light Bulbs - There are no bans on mercury in light bulbs
although some types of lights typically have less mercury.
Paint - The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide
Act (FIFRA) regulates the sale and use of pesticides, including
registration of chemicals that meet health and safety tests. Until
recently, several mercury compounds were registered as pesticides,
bactericides, and fungicides.
- By 1991, however, all registrations for mercury compounds in
paints had been canceled by EPA or voluntarily withdrawn by the
manufacturer. Existing stocks may be sold until depleted.
Some states, particularly the Great Lakes states, are beginning to
look beyond health-based concerns, and are looking instead to the
waste disposal problems associated with mercury containing products.
State regulations are beginning to ban the sale of certain products
that contain mercury (e.g., toys and shoes), limit the content of
mercury in other products (e.g., batteries and packaging), and impose
recycling requirements and disposal restrictions on mercury-containing
products.
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