July 3, 2007

Contact: Sean Jacobs
(215) 567-4004 x102

5 PENNSYLVANIA AUTO YARDS RECOGNIZED FOR PREVENTING MERCURY RELEASE THROUGH MERCURY COLLECTION PROGRAM

Philadelphia, PA – Five auto recyclers and dismantlers have collected more than half of the mercury auto switches that have been recycled over the past three years in Pennsylvania.

The five companies—Kress Auto Wreckers/Harry’s U-Pull-It of Hazleton, Allentown and Pennsburg; Slippery Rock Salvage of Slippery Rock; Penn Recycling of Williamsport; Geese Auto Salvage of Perkasie; and Affordable Auto Parts of Tannersville—have recovered 10,157 switches through the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Removal Program (NVMSRP), a national campaign that seeks to collect mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles to ensure proper disposal.

The history of the NVMSRP in Pennsylvania reaches back to 2004, when the DEP created the Pennsylvania Mercury-Containing Automobile Switch Removal Program through a Memorandum of Understanding signed by DEP, Clean Air Council, the Pennsylvania Automotive Recycling Trade Society (PARTS), two mercury recyclers and two steel recycling associations. In November 2006, this program merged with the newly-created NVMSRP. So far, 18,018 switches containing more than 39 pounds of mercury have been collected in Pennsylvania, ranking the state 10th among all states. At least through September 30, 2007, participants receive a $2 bounty for every switch they turn in.

“I applaud our state auto recyclers and dismantlers who are aggressively removing and recycling mercury-containing auto switches. Their leadership stands as an example to others; it means less mercury in the environment and a healthier Pennsylvania,” said Kathleen McGinty, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Mercury-containing switches from cars represent the second-largest airborne source of mercury in the state, as roughly half of all automobiles produced before 2002 contain mercury in the form of switches used to turn on trunk and hood lights. The mercury enters the environment when older vehicles are abandoned, crushed or melted down. This poses a special problem in our region: Pennsylvania cars on the road contain more than five metric tons of mercury, and Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of electric arc furnaces that melt down old automobiles.

“I’m happy to participate in the program. It’s easy, safe and it’s a great way to help the environment,” said Jim Strack, general manager of Harry’s U-Pull-It Allentown Yards.

“It’s great that these five facilities have made a commitment to cleaning Pennsylvania’s air by preventing the release of mercury through auto switches. Clean Air Council commends their efforts and encourages increased participation in this program,” said Joseph Otis Minott, Esq., executive director of Clean Air Council.

Mercury is a potent neurotoxin, and is especially harmful to children and pregnant women. Over time, one gram of mercury, the amount found in an auto switch, is enough to contaminate the fish in a 20-acre lake. Currently, every lake, river and stream in Pennsylvania is under a fish consumption advisory warning due to mercury and other pollutants.

Clean Air Council is a member-supported, non-profit environmental organization dedicated to protecting everyone's right to breathe clean air. The Council leads the Pennsylvania ZERO mercury campaign.

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