Originally published August 6 2005
EPA adds mercury to recyclables list
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
The EPA has added products made with mercury to the recyclables list in an effort to increase recycling. Some products that can now be recycled are thermostats and pressure gauges.
Federal environmental regulators have added mercury-containing equipment to the universal waste rule, saying it will encourage recycling and reuse among unregulated households and small businesses.
The change will make it easier for unregulated generators to recycle mercury products instead of tossing them in the trash.
It reduces recordkeeping, storage and transportation requirements that have served as disincentives to recycling, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Stringent federal hazardous waste management requirements for final disposal or recycling remain unchanged, according to the agency.
Among the mercury-containing devices that the EPA hopes to keep out of landfills by reclassifying the waste to encourage recycling are thermostats, barometers, temperature and pressure gauges, and mercury light switches from automobiles.
The EPA finalized the rule change July 27.
The agency has posted additional information online at www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/electron/crt.htm.
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