As the government’s cash for clunkers program rolls on, General Motors says it is no longer responsible for the proper disposal of potentially toxic auto parts. Since emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, GM has dropped out of a program that aims to prevent mercury pollution.
During the 1980s and 1990s, it was a common practice in the automobile industry to use mercury switches in trunk convenience lights and anti-lock brake systems. In fact, about 36 million switches were installed in vehicles during those years, half belonging to General Motors.
Without a proper disposal program, that mercury can leak into the environment, potentially causing harm to plants, fish and humans. As such, the End of Life Vehicle Solutions Corp. was founded in 2005 with goal of preventing widespread mercury pollution.
General Motors has participated in the program for the last four years – becoming ELVS’ largest client – but hasn’t paid its dues since filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. GM typically spends $700,000 to $1 million on the program annually, according to Automotive News. Without GM’s portion of the funding, ELVS may be forced to cease its operations.
GM claims that the ‘new’ General Motors has never produced a vehicle containing mercury and is therefore no longer obligated to participate in the program. GM’s liability to those vehicles remains in bankruptcy court with Motors Liquidation Inc., better known as the ‘old’ GM.
To date ELVS has disposed of about 2.5 million mercury switches, leaving millions more still on the road or in our nation’s junk yards. Thirteen automakers still participate in the program, but without GM’s cash flow the entire project could be in serious jeopardy.
