This report examines the problem of mercury contamination in California’s environment and the contribution of the disposal of mercury- containing waste not currently regulated as hazardous waste. The report consists of six sections. The first provides a general overview of California’s mercury problem, while each of Sections 2 through 5 focuses on a different aspect of mercury in more detail. The final section examines several options for reducing the further contamination of California’s land, and recommends changes to the State’s criteria used to classify mercury-containing waste as hazardous waste.
