How to Recycle Mercury Thermometers

Mercury is a very toxic material and mercury thermometers should be recycled and not discarded. Recycling mercury protects the environment. Due to mercury's toxicity, mercury thermometers are being replaced with less toxic types of thermometers such as digital thermometers.

Instructions

• 1

  Recycle a mercury thermometer at a toxic materials recycling center. Large recycling centers are equipped to handle toxic materials, but call ahead first to see if they take mercury.

• 2

  Put mercury thermometers in the same recycling bin as light bulbs and batteries. Smart recyclers will have a special container just for the recycling of toxic materials such as batteries and light bulbs.

• 3

  Contact the state environmental or natural resources agency. These government agencies all have recycling program offices. State environmental agencies are required by law to assist with the proper disposal of toxic materials.

• 4

  Call city and county government offices. Local governments across America have taken notice of the growing problem of mercury in the environment and are taking action. Solid waste disposal laws have become more stringent and local governments are taking action to create a greener future.

• 5

  Start a local campaign to have a regular toxic materials pickup day. People are more likely to hold onto toxic items, such as mercury thermometers, if they know they can dispose of them properly in the future.