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