| Subject: | High Intensity Discharge (HID) Headlamps -- Disposal Instructions |
| Models: | 1997-2001 Cadillac Catera |
| 2001-2004 Cadillac Seville |
| 2002-2005 Cadillac Escalade Models |
| 2004-2005 Cadillac SRX, XLR |
| 1998-2001 Oldsmobile Bravada |
HID Headlamps included in Connecticut laws for products containing mercury.
Connecticut has enacted laws and regulations requiring the proper handling of elemental mercury (hg) containing consumer products sold in the state on or after July 1, 2004. Included in these laws and regulations are high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps
that contain trace amounts of Hg. The purpose of this bulletin is to:
| • | Identify the GM vehicles equipped with HID headlamps |
| • | Provide details of the HID Headlamp Collection Plan requirements |
Recycle Spent HID Bulbs
Connecticut law requires proper handling of all products containing the element of mercury (Hg). This law includes High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps which contain traces (estimated 0.5-1.0 mg) of mercury -- generally less than
1/20th of the amount of mercury in fluorescent lamps.
When HID headlamps are serviced, and the dealer is left with an intact HID bulb or headlamp assembly, the HID bulb must be properly disposed of or recycled. HID headlamp bulbs should not be disposed of in the solid waste stream. The recycling of the HID
headlamps should be handled in the same way as fluorescent lamps containing mercury, commonly used in households and business facilities. There is a label on the HID part indicating that mercury (Hg) is contained in the assembly and a picture indicating not
to throw it in the trash.
Additionally, the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) encourages dealers to take spent HID lamps from private consumers and recycle them. It is expected that the number of HID lamps recycled by dealers will be very small given the
long life of the parts and sales information regarding their replacement. In 2004, GM Service Parts Operations sold 66 HID headlamp assemblies to GM dealerships in Connecticut. No bulbs were sold in 2004 in Connecticut. (Assemblies are most often sold in cases
of collisions where intact HID bulbs are not available for recycling).
Further assistance for proper handling of mercury is available on the Connecticut Department of Environment Protection's (DEP) website (http://dep.state.ct.us/wst/mercury/merclamp.htm) or by calling the DEP Mercury Hotline at 1-877-537-2488
or (860) 424-3297, or on the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers website (http://autoalliance.org/archives/000129.html).
Train Parts and Service Employees Regarding Disposal Requirements
All employees who handle or manage HID headlamp waste will be informed of the procedure to properly dispose of these bulbs.
List the Recycling Information on HID Bulb and Assembly Invoices.
When HID lamps are sold over the counter, invoices should contain the same wording as the package label and the URL listed above which indicates appropriate disposal of the components is required.
Willingness of Dealers to Implement HID Proposed Collection Plan
Dealers in Connecticut are requested to agree to participate in the HID Headlamp Collection Plan, which strongly encourages the take back of any Hg HID bulbs associated with over-the-counter part sales of HID bulbs.
Additionally, Body Shops, which purchase HID assemblies, are being educated by the DEP on their responsibility to properly dispose of these bulbs.
