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  Mercury Disposal

 

There are several different options for disposing of mercury. Each method has advantages and limitations.

1)  RecycleElemental Mercury, the heavy silvery liquid, is a material that can be recycled.  Unbroken fluorescent light bulbs and thermostats are products common enough that there are recycling programs for them.  See this link: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/mercdshm.htm -guidance  Mercury is still used in many commercial products, and it still has some value.  Recycling also has the advantage that it is going to a new owner, and the entity (i.e. school district) that sent it to be recycled is no longer responsible for it. 

2) Exchange: Some companies that sold mercury containing products will accept them in exchange for a newer product that does not contain mercury.  Welch Allyn, a  maker of Sphygmomanometers, is an example.

3)  Regulated Waste: Some devices that may contain elemental mercury, like thermometers, thermostats, barometers, blood pressure devices, etc, may or may not be recyclable.  For example some disposal contractors do not like separating the mercury from the glass in these products, as it can be a hazardous process.  The process is made even more difficult if the device is broken.  Another option is to have the material disposed of as regulated waste.  It may be the only option for certain products that contain mercury that cannot be recycled because it is very difficult or impossible to remove the mercury from it.  Fluorescent light bulbs, batteries, and computer screens may be in this category. 

Many school facility managers may be familiar with fluorescent light bulbs that need to be returned intact.   However, the low mercury light bulbs are now also required to be recycled.  For information about light bulb disposal see this link: http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/hzwstman/lampdisp.html

For information about Mercury disposal see the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation website: 

http://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/35381.htmlA how to guide for mercury cleanout at schools

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/regs/374_3.pdf- regulations

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dshm/redrecy/mercdshm.htm -guidance

If the mercury that needs to be disposed of is less than one pound (a small volume of mercury is quite heavy) it can be shipped through the mail.  You may wish to contact your mercury recycling company to get appropriate containers to ship it.  For larger quantities, you may have to make arrangements for special shipment in accordance with DOT regulations.

 

If you have any questions, contact your BOCES Health & Safety Specialist.

 

 

 

   
         
This page is maintained by Tim Murphy, coordinator, according to web publishing guidelines used by the Capital Region BOCES. All rights reserved. This web site was produced by the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service, Albany, NY. © 2005