Mercury

Managing waste containing mercury

Mercury is common in:

• Mercury-containing equipment and lamps.
• Automotive switches. Learn about our automotive mercury switch removal program.
• Dental waste.
• Some pharmaceuticals contain mercury.
• Older electric thermostats often contain mercury. You can find locations that accept mercury thermostats in your area by visiting the Thermostat Recycling Corporation website.

Learn more about mercury's toxicity, health effects, and how we regulate it.

Liquid mercury

If you have liquid (elemental) mercury:

• Never rinse it down the drain.
• Never dispose of it in the trash.
• Never dispose of it in the sharps container or as medical waste.
• Recycle all mercury.

Cleaning mercury spills

If you have a mercury spill:

• Never clean it up with a vacuum.
• Never clean it up with a broom.
• Never pour it down the drain.
• Never get it on your shoes.
• Learn what to do if your mercury thermometer or light bulb breaks.