Dispose of Mercury Right

Do not place mercury or mercury-containing devices in your trash or recycling. Mercury can be hazardous to your health and the environment.

The Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District offers a free year-round drop off for mercury and mercury-containing devices at their facility in Cuyahoga Heights. See details.

 

Household mercury items like thermometers and thermostats can be properly disposed at a household hazardous waste collection.
 

How to Determine If Your Non-Digital Thermometer Contains Mercury

Newer non-digital fever thermometers often use alcohol or a non-toxic compound that looks similar to mercury. Ask:

  • Is the liquid in the thermometer any color other than silver? Then it is most likely alcohol.
  • Is it silver? Then it may be mercury or possibly a non-mercury substance.

The U.S. EPA has details about mercury thermometers.

 

Cleaning Up A Mercury Spill

For details on cleaning up a mercury spill or broken thermometer, see these guidelines from the U.S. EPA. After following the EPA instructions for clean-up and containment, contact Matt Walters at (216) 443-3749 or email to discuss disposal options.

 

Waste from Businesses or Commercial Properties

There are different rules for disposal of hazardous wastes from a business, including mercury. Businesses must contract with a licensed company for proper disposal or recycling. See the Business Locations list below for options.

 

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Looking to recycle, donate or dispose of other items? Use the dark blue 'What Do I Do With?' search bar at the top of every page of this website. Allow location services or use the city drop-down to find opportunities in your local area.