Issue
Large amounts of mercury are used globally in numerous products and manufacturing processes. Yet, for most products, effective alternatives to mercury are available.
Transition success has been demonstrated in thermometers, switches and relays, batteries other than button cells, thermostats, HID auto discharge lamps, and sphygmomanometers.
Affordable alternatives to mercury are available for most products, but commercially cost-effective alternatives for some products are further needed.
Moving away from mercury-added products is the most effective means to avoid mercury in waste. Sound management should consider all stages of the product’s lifecycle. Clear regulation can prompt manufacturers to produce mercury-free products.
More on mercury in products
Objective
The objective of the Partnership Area is to phase out and eventually eliminate mercury in products and to eliminate releases during manufacturing and other industrial processes via environmentally sound production, transportation, storage, and disposal processes.
Strategy
The Partnership Area seeks to achieve its goals through:
- Identifying and implementing successful approaches for reducing or eliminating mercury in products where there are effective alternatives;
- Promoting environmentally sound production, transportation, storage, and disposal procedures; and
- Providing a partner-driven forum for exchanging information and discussing strategies for achieving goals and objectives.
Partnership Area Lead
- Tanya Hodge Mottley - US Environmental Protection Agency
- Thomas Groeneveld - US Environmental Protection Agency
- Elena Lymberidi - Zero Mercury Working Group
- Michael Bender - Zero Mercury Working Group
