how to dispose mercury

Since mercury is very toxic and harmful to the environment, it’s important to dispose of it safely. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.Because of the serious nature of this situation, it is best if you are able to access the government link at the bottom of this page to go to it and get detailed, specific instructions on the procedure for gathering the spilled material!Be aware that many products used in the household contain hazardous materials that can be released into the environment and cause serious consequences. There are many state and local programs for recycling or disposing items that contain mercury.

Vacuum only after all visible remains have been cleaned up and then dispose of the bag or debris with the rest of the clean-up. By now you probably see a theme. To create this article, 32 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Heat from the vacuum's motor will increase the amount of mercury vapor in the air. Newer models of thermometers contain alcohol or another liquid substance that simulates mercury. wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. Do Not Open.” If you spill more than about 2 tablespoons of mercury, contact a hazardous waste cleanup specialist for help. For any spill larger than a pea, a professional hazardous cleanup crew is recommended. I believe the USPS does not list mercury as a hazardous shipping material if properly contained and secured for shipping. Some states have laws that cover hazardous waste disposal. Make special effort to ensure that children stay away. Don't track it around on your shoes. Some places will allow you to throw away broken fluorescent bulbs with other trash while others have more stringent requirements for this type of waste disposal.Cleaning up a broken mercury thermometer is somewhat more involved, so I'll post those instructions separately. You can find this by searching Earth911 or asking your local environmental regulation office. You will likely have to utilize your local household hazardous waste (HHW) facility or events to properly dispose of and recycle items containing mercury.

Once you've packaged your mercury, take it to your nearest hazardous waste center.

Take it to a recycling center. Mercury is a neurotoxin that can cause serious effects in tiny concentrations.All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being publishedDo not allow contact with skin! {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Dispose-of-Mercury-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Dispose-of-Mercury-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1e\/Dispose-of-Mercury-Step-1-Version-4.jpg\/aid128867-v4-728px-Dispose-of-Mercury-Step-1-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":"728","bigHeight":"546","licensing":"