(a) The director shall coordinate the development of a public education, outreach, and assistance program for households, hazardous waste generators, local and regional solid waste management agencies, small businesses, health care facilities, scrap metal facilities, dismantlers, institutions, schools, and other interested groups in concert with other relevant state agencies. This public education, outreach, and assistance program should focus on the hazards of mercury; the requirements and obligations of individuals, manufacturers, and agencies under this law; and voluntary efforts that individuals, institutions, and businesses can undertake to help further reduce mercury in the environment.
(b) The director shall cooperate with the neighboring states and provinces and regional organizations in the northeastern U.S. and Canada on developing outreach, assistance, and education programs, where appropriate.