
On July 1, 2020, Iowa's requirements for vehicle manufacturers to provide a system for the recovery of mercury-containing switches from vehicles (Iowa code 455b.803) will end. This includes the $5 bounty auto manufacturers pay for each recovered mercury switch.
What’s not changing: Auto manufacturers, as part of a national, voluntary, agreement, will continue to provide collection containers and free recycling of recovered switches to vehicle recyclers until December 31, 2021. This will continue to be done through the end-of-life vehicle solutions (ELVS) program. The requirement for mercury switches to be removed prior to delivery to a scrap recycling facility remains in place.
Send in your bucket! In order to receive the bounty for switches already collected:
- If needed, request a replacement bucket and shipping label by calling (800) 495-6059 or e-mail elvsbuckets@usecology. provide your company name, shipping address and bucket size (small or large). If you do not have the shipping label that came with your collection bucket submit your request no later than June 1, 2020.
- Enclose the log of make and model numbers or VINs in the collection container.
- Tie the plastic liner in a knot and tightly seal the container.
EQ – A US Ecology Company (formerly EQ Industrial Services, Inc.)
Attention: ELVS program
6500 Georgia street
Detroit, MMI 48211
(800) 495-6059
- Give the sealed and labeled box to your UPS driver when at your facility. If you do not have visits from a UPS driver, simply drop off your package at the nearest UPS drop off outlet (a list of outlets are available on the web at www.ups.com).
- ELVS will verify the number of switches eligible for the bounty. Mercury switches from abs or vanity mirrors may be included in the collection container, however the bounty will not be paid for them.
For a list of vehicles containing mercury switches, videos on how to remove the switches and various other information, visit the ELVS website.
ELVS annual reports
DNR contact
Theresa Stiner
515-725-8315
Theresa.Stiner@dnr.iowa.gov