After switching to the new battery mercury releases were zero. Feedstock use of mercury was 129 lbs. per production unit of cameras produced. Feedstock use of mercury fell to zero after the battery switch. 7.0 Cleaner Production Benefits Polaroid Corporation has a company-wide Toxic Use and Waste Reduction Program which is systematically pursuing toxic reduction opportunities. The switch to mercury- free batteries was over concerns about atmospheric emissions from incinerating mercury containing waste.
Material substitution has economic, environmental and reduced liability benefits.
Polaroid reported 870 pounds of mercury released to the air from this facility in the 1988 SARA Toxic Release Inventory. The 1989 projected release of mercury is zero. Waste materials once considered non-recyclable because of problems associated with mercury now have the potential to be recycled. The new mercury-free batteries offer slightly less energy than the carbon zinc batteries but provide enough power for Polaroid's camera systems. No specific date is given but it appears the battery replacement occurred in late 1988 or early 1989.