• Home
  • News
    • Politics / Govt
    • Legislature
    • Crime / Courts
    • Health / Medicine
    • Archives
  • Sports
    • Badgers
    • Packers
      • Titletown Report
    • Brewers
  • Contact Us
    • Reporters
  • Affiliates
    • Affiliate Support

Wisconsin Radio Network

Wisconsin News and Sports

You are here: Home / Environment / Conservation / Mercury ban takes effect

Mercury ban takes effect

November 1, 2010 By Andrew Beckett

A ban on the sale of many products containing mercury takes effect in Wisconsin today.

The new law applies to a wide variety of products, such as thermometers, measuring devices, and thermostats. Sue Bangert with the Department of Natural Resources says several household items are also included, such as toys, jewelry, and make-up.

The goal of the ban is to keep mercury from making its way in to Wisconsin landfills. The DNR estimates up to 6,000 pounds of mercury is thrown away each year, which can effect air and water quality if it leaks into the environment.

The ban does not apply to products already in use, but schools will be required to replace many devices containing free-flowing mercury by 2012.

Lighting devices containing mercury are exempt, such as compact fluorescent light bulbs. Bangert says lawmakers recognized the energy saving benefits of those devices, and notes that many recycling programs exist specifically for them.

Bangert says most of the banned products have mercury-free alternatives available. Businesses and manufacturers can appeal the ban to the DNR if a cost-effective mercury-free option is not available.

Wisconsin is the 16th state to enact a ban on sales of many devices containing mercury.

AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (1:09)

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Filed Under: Environment / Conservation



Featured Stories

Future of abortion in Wisconsin hinges on SCOTUS ‘Roe’ decision

Juvenile arrested in connection with death of Lily Peters

Missing Chippewa Falls girl found dead, police seek suspect

Medical marijuana legislation gets public hearing at Capitol

Tommy Thompson announces he will not run for governor

TwitterFacebook

Sports Headlines

Giannis breaks franchise scoring record, Bucks beat Nets in OT

Wisconsin’s Davis declares for NBA Draft

Badgers to face Arizona State in Las Vegas Bowl

Williams likely out for the season with broken hand

Packers releasing TE Jace Sternberger

More Sports

Tweets by @WRN

Get our news delivered to your inbox:

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Copyright © 2022 · Learfield News & Ag, LLC