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In-service Removal of Switches
When vehicles are recycled, they are crushed and the steel is melted, usually in steel mills. Mercury can be released into the atmosphere. The best way to keep mercury out of the environment is to remove the mercury switches before crushing and shredding.
Options for removing switches
Mercury switches can be removed from vehicles that are still in use. This ensures that the mercury in the switch will never reach the environment. There are several options for removing switches from in-service vehicles.
- Use a garage or auto repair shop. Some will replace mercury switches with non-mercury switches for a small charge. The auto repair shop should recycle the switch along with other mercury items using a hazardous waste management company or a business hazardous waste drop off location.
- Check with an auto club. AAA of Washington/Inland's has offered free ‘switch-outs’ during the October Car Care Month and during their spring Great Battery Roundup program for Earth Week.
- Remove the switch yourself. Instructions for removing switches can be found in the "Vehicle Mercury Light Switch Removal Guide" (Washington State Department of Ecology) and from the Clean Car Campaign. These have information about how to remove switches from different vehicle makes and models.
Storing and disposing of switches
If you remove the switch(es) yourself, store them in a leak-proof plastic container and recycle them at a household hazardous waste facility. If an auto repair shop removes the switches, they must be sent to a mercury reclamation facility or a hazardous waste management company.
Switches without mercury
Non-mercury tilt switches look and behave the same as mercury switches. In non-mercury switches, the drop of mercury is replaced with a ball bearing of similar size and weight. When the switch is tilted, the ball rolls and completes the electrical circuit, activating the light. Comus International has a catalog of non-mercury tilt and tip-over switches for many applications.
For more information contact Taylor Watson, Health and Environmental Investigator, at taylor.watson@kingcounty.gov.
