How to Dispose of Thermometers

Thermometers are an indispensable tool for measuring the temperature of a room, a pot of boiling candy or a feverish child. Because thermometers are so common in household, industrial and medical use, thermometer disposal poses a problem. Older thermometers made of glass often contain mercury, a silvery liquid metal. Mercury is a hazardous neurotoxin that builds up and remains in the environment. Direct contact with liquid mercury, as well as exposure to mercury vapor, can harm adults and children. Dispose of mercury thermometers carefully to avoid dangerous exposure and environmental pollution.

Things You'll Need

• Rubber gloves

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Instructions

• 1

  Check the bulb of your thermometer and observe the color. If the bulb is silver, your thermometer likely contains mercury, unless it is clearly labeled "mercury free." Thermometers with colored bulbs and electronic thermometers do not contain mercury.

• 2

  Dispose of mercury-free thermometers with other garbage and household waste. Wear gloves to handle any broken glass or plastic.

• 3

  Investigate local trade-in programs for mercury-containing thermometers. Some state-funded or nonprofit organizations will exchange mercury thermometers for less hazardous ones that function equally well.

• 4

  Contact your local hazardous waste collection agency to inquire about specific disposal procedures for mercury-containing thermometers. You may be instructed to transport or ship the thermometer to a mercury-recycling facility, or your community may offer free collection.