PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Congressional Research Service
Version 01 · Reported to Senate with amendment(s) · Aug 28, 2002
Mercury Reduction Act of 2002 - Amends the Solid Waste Disposal Act to: (1) prohibit the sale or supply of mercury fever thermometers to consumers, except by prescription; and (2) require manufacturers to provide clear instructions on handling of thermometers to avoid breakage and on proper cleanup in the event of breakage.Requires the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency to provide grants for a household mercury thermometer collection and exchange program.Establishes a Task Force on Mercury to make recommendations on: (1) the long-term management of surplus mercury collected from thermometers and from medical, commercial, government, and industrial and other sources; (2) programs to test technologies for sequestration of retired mercury; (3) storage of mercury in a manner that ensures no release into the environment; (4) reduction of the total threat posed by mercury to humans and the environment; and (5) reduction of mercury produced, used, and released.Directs the Administrator, in consultation with the Task Force, to: (1) take title to mercury collected under the thermometer exchange program or from another source; (2) manage the mercury in a manner that prevents its release into the environment; (3) ensure that collected mercury is not reintroduced into commerce; (4) provide to the Task Force an analysis of, and recommendations concerning, collection and management activities under this Act; and (5) identify stabilization technologies and long-term storage measures that prevent mercury release and conduct appropriate research, development, and demonstration.Authorizes appropriations.
People & committees
Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME] · R–ME
Legislative record
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Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment and Hazardous Materials.
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Received in the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent. (text: CR S8333-8334)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment and an amendment to the Title by Unanimous Consent.(text: CR S8333-8334)
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S8329-8334; text of measure as reported in Senate: CR S8331-8332)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 553.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Jeffords under authority of the order of the Senate of 07/29/2002 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 107-243.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Reported by Senator Jeffords under authority of the order of the Senate of 07/29/2002 with an amendment in the nature of a substitute and an amendment to the title. With written report No. 107-243.
Committee on Environment and Public Works. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. (text of measure as introduced: CR S1492-1493)
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S1491-1492)
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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