Mercury compounds in USA - Rhode Island

Last Updated:	2006-03-06
Group:	Metals
Report Contents
-   Restricted Substances -   Summary -   Materials or Products Listed -   Exemptions -   Sanctions/Penalties -   Laws & Regulations -   Links -   Contacts -   Revision History

Introduction

1. Toxics in Packaging Legislation
   
   In 1990, Rhode Island enacted the Toxic Packaging Reduction Act, which is based on the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation drafted by the Coalition of Northeastern Governors. The model legislation is now being promoted by the Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse, which is administered by the Northeast Recycling Council, Inc.
   
   Nineteen other states have enacted toxics-in-packaging laws modeled after the Model Toxics in Packaging Legislation (California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Rhode Island, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin).
   
   
2. Mercury-Specific Legislation
   
   The Mercury Reduction and Education Act (see Laws & Regulations section below) as amended, and its implementing regulations comprise a comprehensive set of laws governing the use, sale and distribution, labeling, and disposal of products containing mercury.
   
   Rhode Island law also bans the sale, distribution, and disposal of certain batteries containing mercury. Information on this law may be found at the Batteries in USA - Rhode Island page.

Defined Restrictions:

1. Toxics in Packaging Legislation
   
   The sum of concentration levels of lead, cadmium, mercury, and hexavalent chromium present in any package or packaging component must not exceed 100 ppm (0.01%) by weight.
   
   
2. Mercury-Specific Legislation
   
   Restriction on mercury content in certain mercury-added products. See Schedule for the Phase-Out of Mercury section.