Products intended to be consumed in use, such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, would be exempted. Would reduce the amount of mercury allowed to enter waste combustors, wastewater treatment, and solid waste management facilities. In the Northeastern US one of the largest sources of mercury emissions is waste combustors. There is also at least one study underway that suggests that transfer stations and waste handling practices may also be important local sources of mercury emissions. Manufacturers would submit a collection plan to the state that covers the jurisdiction.
Legislation designates key elements of the plan.
Also requires manufacturers to periodically report on the success of the collection system. Require manufacturers of specified formulated product categories that are used in health care facilities to disclose the mercury content of tested batches of their formulated product. This would apply to the formulated products in those categories that contain incidental amounts of mercury above one part per billion. Would assist health care facilities that are struggling to meet stringent wastewater standards, which can be one part per billion or lower. Part of the problem is the mercury that comes from the chemicals they purchase for their laboratories and maintenance activities.