September 07, 2008

US Steel marks 1st year of mercury switch recovery program

It is reported that United States Steel Corporation recently marked the one year anniversary of its participation in the national mercury reduction program known as the National Vehicle Mercury Switch Recovery Program.

US Steel has been part of the program since it was launched on August 11th 2006. The company began implementing its plan for participation in the NVMSRP in March 2007 and has asked all of its shredded scrap suppliers to register with End of Life Vehicle Services and to develop their own compliance programs. Supplier audits to ensure compliance are currently being conducted.

The purpose of the NVMSRP is to prevent mercury pollution by removing mercury switches from automobiles and trucks before the vehicles are shredded and recycled into new steel. US Steel supports the program and is participating fully in it as a member of the American Iron and Steel Institute. Other parties to the agreement include the AISI, the Steel Manufacturers Association, auto manufacturers, vehicle dismantlers and shredders, environmental organizations and the US Environmental Protection Agency.