The MERC Switch Out is the first attempt in Canada to address the use of mercury in vehicles and its release when vehicles are recycled at their end-of-life. It represents a partnership among government, industry, and non-profit organizations to implement an effective, cost-efficient, and sustainable process to recover mercury from vehicles before it can be released into the environment. The MERC Switch Out recognizes that mercury emission reductions are best achieved through a pollution prevention approach -- a combination of the elimination of mercury use, and the recovery of mercury in use prior to improper disposal.
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Phase 1:
End-of-Life Vehicle Pilot Test

There are two points in the life-cycle of an automobile where mercury switch removal is possible; in order to realize the goal of 90% collection, the final programme design may involve one or both of these methods:
1. Collection at vehicle end-of-life, through licensed vehicle recyclers
2. Replacement of mercury switches in on-road vehicles with a reliable, non-mercury alternative

The initial phase of the MERC Switch Out is a pilot project to recover mercury switches from end-of-life vehicles at eleven recyclers in Southern Ontario. The pilot will provide information on the infrastructure needed to implement a long-term, sustainable collection system. At the end of the pilot, the collection system will be expanded across the Province and Canada.
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Fate of the mercury

All mercury collected under the programme will be recycled and used in products whose manufacturers have take-back programs in effect, thus limiting reemission of mercury to the environment through poor disposal practices. Pollution Probe is encouraging the development of permanent disposal options for mercury.


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Programme Partners

Pollution Probe has partnered with Ontario Power Generation Inc., Environment Canada, and the Ontario Ministry of the Environment to deliver Phase 1 of the MERC Switch Out.

MERC Switch Out recognizes many key players in the life-cycle of a mercury switch, including government, automobile manufacturers, steel manufacturers, automotive dismantlers and recyclers. Pollution Probe is encouranging the participation of all of these players in making mercury switch collection effective and sustainable in the long-term.
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Contact:

Leah Hagreen, MERC Project Manager
Phone: (416)922-9038 x 25
Fax: (416)922-1028
lhagreen@pollutionprobe.org
www.pollutionprobe.org/mercury.htm