The General Assembly finds that:
(1) Mercury is a persistent and toxic pollutant that bioaccumulates in the environment;(2) Consumption of mercury-contaminated fish poses a significant health threat;(3) Combustion of municipal and other solid waste is a source of mercury pollution;(4) Both industry and government are working to reduce the content of mercury in products and to control the release of mercury into the environment;(5) Accidental mercury spills, breakages, and releases have occurred at schools in the United States, exposing students, teachers, and administrators to mercury emissions; and(6) Removal of mercury and mercury-containing products from the waste stream prior to combustion or disposal is an effective way to reduce mercury pollution.