Safely Disposing of Mercury: A Comprehensive Guide

Mercury, a heavy metal, is a potent neurotoxin that poses significant risks to human health and the environment. It’s crucial to handle and dispose of mercury-containing items with extreme care. Improper disposal can lead to mercury contamination of soil, water, and air, impacting ecosystems and potentially causing serious health problems. This comprehensive guide provides detailed steps and instructions on how to safely dispose of mercury, minimizing risks and promoting responsible environmental stewardship.

Understanding the Dangers of Mercury

Before delving into disposal methods, it’s essential to understand why mercury is so dangerous. Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature and readily vaporizes into the air, where it can be inhaled. It’s also readily absorbed through the skin and ingested. Mercury accumulates in the body over time, leading to various health issues, including:

• Neurological damage: Mercury can affect brain development, particularly in children, leading to learning disabilities, developmental delays, and cognitive impairments. It can also cause tremors, memory loss, and other neurological problems in adults.
• Kidney damage: Exposure to mercury can damage the kidneys, impairing their ability to filter waste products from the blood.
• Respiratory problems: Inhaling mercury vapor can irritate the lungs and cause respiratory issues.
• Cardiovascular issues: Some studies suggest a link between mercury exposure and heart problems.
• Harm to wildlife: Mercury bioaccumulates in the food chain, affecting wildlife, particularly fish, birds, and mammals.

Therefore, proper handling and disposal of mercury are paramount.

Identifying Mercury-Containing Products

Mercury is found in various household products. Identifying these items is the first step in safe disposal. Common mercury-containing products include:

• Thermometers: Old-style glass thermometers often contain mercury. Modern digital thermometers do not.
• Thermostats: Some older thermostats contain mercury-filled tilt switches. Modern digital thermostats are mercury-free.
• Fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs and tubes): These bulbs contain small amounts of mercury vapor.
• Button cell batteries: Certain older button cell batteries, commonly found in hearing aids and watches, may contain mercury.
• Barometers and manometers: These instruments often contain mercury.
• Some older paints: Some older paints may contain mercury compounds as preservatives.
• Switches and relays: Older appliances and industrial equipment may contain mercury switches or relays.
• Certain medical equipment: Some medical devices like sphygmomanometers (blood pressure monitors) may contain mercury.

Before discarding any item, carefully check the product label or manufacturer’s information to determine if it contains mercury. If you are unsure, err on the side of caution and treat the item as if it does contain mercury.

General Guidelines for Handling Mercury

Before discussing disposal methods, here are some essential general guidelines for handling mercury-containing items:

• Avoid breaking the item: Mercury is a liquid metal at room temperature. Breaking mercury-containing items can release mercury, which easily evaporates into a toxic vapor. Handle all such items gently.
• Store items properly: Keep mercury-containing products in a secure location away from children and pets. If a product is broken and has leaked, see the instructions below for spill cleanup.
• Do not vacuum or sweep mercury spills: Vacuuming or sweeping up mercury spills can spread the mercury vapor and create further contamination. Also, it will contaminate your vacuum cleaner or broom, rendering them as sources of mercury pollution.
• Do not pour mercury down the drain or in the trash: Pouring mercury down the drain contaminates waterways and sewage systems, which is extremely dangerous to aquatic life and may contaminate your home’s drinking supply. Disposing of mercury-containing items in regular trash will also result in environmental contamination when garbage is processed.
• Wash your hands: After handling any mercury-containing item, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water.
• Wear protective gear: When cleaning up mercury spills, wear gloves, eye protection, and a mask or respirator.

Safe Disposal Methods for Mercury-Containing Items

The best disposal method for mercury-containing items is to take them to a designated collection site or recycling facility that accepts hazardous waste. These facilities have the proper equipment and protocols to handle mercury safely and prevent environmental contamination. Here are specific methods for different types of mercury-containing products:

1. Mercury Thermometers

Intact Mercury Thermometers:

1. Contain the thermometer: Place the intact thermometer into a sealed, rigid container such as a plastic jar with a screw-on lid. If you have the original packaging, use that to prevent breakage during transport.
2. Label the container: Clearly label the container as “Mercury Thermometer” or “Hazardous Waste”.
3. Locate a Collection Site: Contact your local municipality’s waste management department, your local recycling center, or your local hazardous waste facility. Some pharmacies and retailers that sell thermometers may also offer take-back programs.
4. Transport Carefully: Avoid dropping or otherwise damaging the container during transport.
5. Dispose at Designated Site: Drop off the thermometer at the designated collection site or facility. Do not place it in the trash or recycling bin.

Broken Mercury Thermometers:

Broken mercury thermometers pose a more significant risk of mercury exposure. If a mercury thermometer breaks, follow these steps:

1. Evacuate the area: Immediately remove all people and pets from the area where the thermometer broke. Close doors leading to other parts of the building to prevent mercury vapor from spreading.
2. Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to allow for ventilation. Turn on fans to help circulate the air, but avoid directing the fan directly on the spill.
3. Put on protective gear: Before cleaning up the spill, put on disposable gloves, eye protection, and a mask or respirator if you have one.
4. Collect the mercury: Do not use a vacuum or broom. Using stiff paper or cardboard, carefully scoop up the larger mercury beads. Use tape to pick up smaller droplets. Alternatively, use an eyedropper to gather the beads into a plastic bag or container. Be thorough to ensure every droplet is collected and not spread further.
5. Place all materials in a sealable bag: Carefully place the broken glass, paper/cardboard, tape, and any other contaminated materials into a sealable plastic bag.
6. Clean up the residue: After removing the mercury and glass, use a damp paper towel to wipe down the area. Place the used paper towel into the sealed plastic bag.
7. Seal the bag tightly: Seal the plastic bag tightly and place it inside another sealed bag or rigid container with a lid.
8. Label the container: Clearly label the container as “Mercury Spill Waste” or “Hazardous Waste”.
9. Dispose at Designated Site: Dispose of the sealed bag/container at your local hazardous waste collection site as soon as possible.

2. Mercury Thermostats

Intact Mercury Thermostats:

1. Remove Carefully: When removing the thermostat from the wall, handle it gently. Avoid tilting it as much as possible, as this can break the mercury-filled bulb inside.
2. Contain the thermostat: Place the intact thermostat into a sealed, rigid container such as a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid. The original box that the new thermostat comes in is often ideal.
3. Label the container: Clearly label the container as “Mercury Thermostat” or “Hazardous Waste”.
4. Locate a Collection Site: Contact your local municipality’s waste management department, your local recycling center, or your local hazardous waste facility. Some HVAC companies may also offer take-back programs. Some states or regions may even require you to take thermostats to a certified collection center.
5. Transport Carefully: Avoid dropping or otherwise damaging the container during transport.
6. Dispose at Designated Site: Drop off the thermostat at the designated collection site or facility. Do not place it in the trash or recycling bin.

Broken Mercury Thermostats:

Follow the same spill cleanup procedure as for broken thermometers. Be especially careful of small pieces of glass.

3. Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFLs and Tubes)

Although these contain a small amount of mercury, they can break easily and can release mercury vapor into your home.

Unbroken Fluorescent Light Bulbs:

1. Store Safely: Store used but unbroken fluorescent light bulbs in their original boxes or a sturdy cardboard box to prevent breakage.
2. Locate a Collection Site: Check with your local hardware store, home improvement center, or recycling center to see if they offer fluorescent bulb recycling programs. Many local authorities require fluorescent bulbs to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
3. Transport Carefully: Avoid dropping the box or the bulbs.
4. Dispose at Designated Site: Drop off the bulbs at the designated recycling facility. Do not place them in the trash or recycling bin.

Broken Fluorescent Light Bulbs:

1. Evacuate the area: Immediately remove all people and pets from the area. Close any doors leading to other parts of the building.
2. Ventilate the area: Open windows and doors to allow for ventilation. Turn on fans to help circulate the air, but avoid directing the fan directly on the spill.
3. Put on protective gear: Put on disposable gloves, eye protection, and a mask or respirator if you have one.
4. Carefully collect the broken glass: Use stiff paper or cardboard to scoop up the broken glass fragments. Place the glass fragments into a sealable plastic bag.
5. Clean the area: Use a damp paper towel to wipe up any dust or residue. Place the used paper towel into the sealed plastic bag.
6. Seal the bag tightly: Seal the plastic bag tightly and place it inside another sealed bag or rigid container with a lid.
7. Label the container: Clearly label the container as “Broken Fluorescent Bulb Waste” or “Hazardous Waste”.
8. Dispose at Designated Site: Dispose of the sealed bag/container at your local hazardous waste collection site as soon as possible.

4. Button Cell Batteries

Intact Button Cell Batteries:

1. Check for Mercury: Check the battery labeling for the presence of mercury. If mercury is listed, treat it as hazardous waste. If the battery does not have mercury listed, follow your local guidelines for normal battery disposal.
2. Store Safely: Store used mercury-containing button cell batteries in a non-conductive container (e.g. a small plastic container) to prevent short circuits and fires.
3. Locate a Collection Site: Many battery recycling programs accept button cell batteries. Some retailers that sell button cell batteries also have take-back programs. Contact your local authorities to see if they require these batteries to be disposed of as hazardous waste.
4. Transport Carefully: Keep the batteries contained during transport.
5. Dispose at Designated Site: Drop off the batteries at the designated recycling facility or hazardous waste collection center.

5. Other Mercury-Containing Items

For other items containing mercury, such as barometers, manometers, older paints, switches, relays, or medical equipment, the best course of action is to contact your local waste management department or hazardous waste collection facility. These facilities will be able to provide specific instructions on how to properly dispose of these items.

Finding Local Collection Sites

Locating a proper disposal site for mercury-containing waste is crucial. Here are several resources to help you:

• Local Waste Management Department: Contact your local municipality’s waste management department. They can provide information on hazardous waste collection sites, drop-off events, and any specific regulations in your area.
• Local Recycling Centers: Many recycling centers accept certain hazardous waste items, such as fluorescent bulbs and batteries. Call or visit their website to verify what materials they accept.
• Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Facilities: Look for dedicated HHW facilities in your area. These facilities are designed to handle hazardous waste materials safely.
• Retailer Take-Back Programs: Some retailers, particularly hardware stores and home improvement centers, offer take-back programs for certain mercury-containing products, such as fluorescent bulbs and rechargeable batteries.
• Earth911: The Earth911 website (www.earth911.com) is a valuable resource that provides a searchable database of recycling centers and disposal options for various materials, including hazardous waste.
• Call2Recycle: The Call2Recycle website (www.call2recycle.org) is an excellent resource for finding battery and cell phone recycling locations.

The Importance of Proper Mercury Disposal

Proper disposal of mercury is essential for several reasons:

• Protecting Human Health: Proper disposal prevents mercury from entering the environment and contaminating our food supply, drinking water, and air. This reduces the risk of mercury-related health problems.
• Protecting the Environment: Mercury pollution can devastate ecosystems, especially aquatic environments. Proper disposal protects wildlife and maintains environmental balance.
• Conserving Resources: Many materials, including mercury, can be recovered and recycled from hazardous waste. Recycling conserves natural resources and reduces the need for new raw materials.
• Following Regulations: Many jurisdictions have strict regulations regarding the disposal of hazardous waste. Proper disposal helps to comply with these regulations and avoid fines or legal issues.
• Promoting Environmental Awareness: Proper mercury disposal promotes a culture of environmental awareness and responsible waste management. It sets a good example for others and helps protect our planet for future generations.

Conclusion

Mercury is a highly toxic substance that requires careful handling and disposal. By following the detailed guidelines outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of mercury exposure and protect yourself, your community, and the environment. Always err on the side of caution and treat items as if they contain mercury unless you are absolutely certain they don’t. If in doubt, reach out to the resources provided here for local, updated advice. Remember, responsible mercury disposal is a critical step in creating a healthier and safer world.