Mercury Waste Disposal Services
Safe Disposal of Mercury & Mercury-Containing Devices for Businesses Nationwide
Mercury is an extremely toxic heavy metal that requires specialized disposal. From thermometers and fluorescent lamps to switches and medical devices, mercury-containing waste is strictly regulated by EPA and state agencies. Hazardous Waste Disposal provides expert mercury waste disposal services for businesses nationwide.
Call (800) 582-4833 for mercury waste disposal services or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What is Mercury Waste?
Mercury waste includes elemental mercury, mercury compounds, and devices containing mercury. Mercury is a persistent bioaccumulative toxic metal that causes severe environmental and health damage. Even small amounts require proper disposal due to its extreme toxicity and tendency to accumulate in the food chain.
Why Mercury Requires Special Disposal:
Highly toxic to nervous system, kidneys, and lungs
Bioaccumulates in fish and wildlife
Persists indefinitely in the environment
Vaporizes at room temperature (elemental mercury)
Strict EPA and state regulations
Many states ban mercury from landfills
Health hazards from exposure
Properties of Mercury:
Only metal that's liquid at room temperature
Vaporizes readily, creating invisible toxic fumes
Accumulates in body tissues over time
Extremely mobile in the environment
Cannot be destroyed - only managed and recycled
Common Mercury-Containing Items
Medical & Healthcare Devices
Thermometers:
Oral fever thermometers (typically contain 0.5-1.5 grams mercury)
Rectal thermometers
Laboratory thermometers
Industrial thermometers
Veterinary thermometers
Blood Pressure Devices:
Sphygmomanometers (typically contain 50-100 grams mercury)
Aneroid backup units
Calibration standards
Laboratory Equipment:
Mercury barometers
Manometers
Mercury switches in equipment
Gastrointestinal tubes
Esophageal dilators (Cantor, Miller-Abbott)
Piezometers
Dental:
Dental amalgam waste
Amalgam separators contents
Extracted teeth with amalgam
Scrap amalgam
Other Medical:
Some older medical devices
Lab reagents with mercury
Mercury compounds in chemicals
Electrical & Electronic Devices
Switches & Relays:
Mercury tilt switches (thermostats)
Mercury displacement relays
Silent wall switches (older homes)
Float switches
Flame sensors
Lighting:
Fluorescent lamps (contain 5-15 mg each)
Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
High-intensity discharge (HID) lamps
Mercury vapor lamps
Metal halide lamps
Sodium vapor lamps (some types)
Neon signs (some older types)
UV lamps
Instruments:
Older thermostats
Pressure switches
Flow meters
Relays and contactors
Scientific & Industrial Equipment
Laboratory Instruments:
Mercury diffusion pumps
Mercury seals
Electrodes (calomel, mercury drop)
Analytical equipment
Barometers
Vacuum gauges
Industrial Equipment:
Mercury cathode cells (chlor-alkali plants)
Mercury rectifiers
Mercury vapor rectifiers
Industrial thermometers
Industrial pressure gauges
Mining & Gold Processing:
Mercury from gold amalgamation
Retort residues
Contaminated equipment
Other Mercury Sources
Batteries:
Mercuric oxide batteries (button cells)
Some older alkaline batteries
Watch batteries with mercury
Chemicals:
Mercury salts and compounds
Laboratory reagents
Fungicides (older types)
Preservatives (thimerosal)
Pigments (mercury sulfide)
Spills & Contamination:
Mercury from broken thermometers
Spilled elemental mercury
Mercury-contaminated materials
Cleanup residues
Industries That Generate Mercury Waste
Healthcare
Hospitals
Clinics and medical offices
Dental offices
Veterinary clinics
Long-term care facilities
Ambulatory surgical centers
Laboratories
Research laboratories
Testing laboratories
University labs
Government labs
Industrial QC labs
Environmental labs
Schools & Education
High schools (science departments)
Colleges and universities
Vocational schools
Museums with scientific instruments
Industrial Facilities
Chemical manufacturing
Chlor-alkali plants
Electronics manufacturing
Instrument manufacturing
Mining operations (gold processing)
Utilities & Energy
Power plants
Electric utilities
Natural gas processing
Commercial Buildings
Facilities with old thermostats
Buildings with fluorescent lighting
HVAC maintenance operations
Other
Antique dealers (old instruments)
Recycling facilities
Waste management facilities
Environmental remediation companies
Mercury Waste Regulations
EPA Federal Regulations
Universal Waste Rule:
Most mercury-containing devices qualify for universal waste management:
Covered items:
Mercury-containing thermostats
Mercury-containing lamps (fluorescent, HID, etc.)
Mercury-containing equipment (thermometers, switches, gauges, etc.)
Some mercury-containing batteries
Requirements:
Label "Universal Waste - Mercury" or specific item type
One year accumulation limit
Manage to prevent releases
No intentional breakage
Send to proper recycling or disposal facility
Benefits:
Simplified management vs. full hazardous waste
No manifests required
Reduced paperwork
Longer accumulation time
Hazardous Waste Classification:
If not managed as universal waste:
Elemental mercury: D009 (TCLP for mercury)
Mercury compounds: May be D009, U151, or other codes
Listed hazardous waste if commercial chemical product
Full RCRA regulations apply
State Mercury Regulations
States with strict mercury rules:
California:
Cannot landfill mercury
Must recycle mercury-containing devices
Strict dental amalgam rules
Mercury thermostat collection program
Maine:
Banned mercury products from sale
Mandatory collection programs
Strict disposal requirements
Minnesota:
Mercury switch recovery programs
Restrictions on mercury products
Enhanced disposal requirements
Vermont:
Comprehensive mercury management law
Product bans
Collection requirements
New York:
Mercury-added products ban
Enhanced disposal requirements
Mercury thermostat collection
Many other states have mercury bans, collection programs, and disposal restrictions
Healthcare-Specific Regulations
EPA Medical Waste:
Thermometers and blood pressure devices are regulated
Dental amalgam rule requirements
Must use proper disposal methods
Dental Amalgam Rule (2017):
Dental offices must use amalgam separators
Must properly dispose of amalgam waste
Record keeping requirements
ISO 11143 certified separators required
Thermostat Collection Programs
Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC):
Industry-sponsored collection program
Free collection containers
Participating wholesalers
HVAC contractors can participate
Our Mercury Waste Disposal Services
Mercury-Containing Device Collection
What we handle:
Thermometers (all types)
Blood pressure devices
Thermostats with mercury switches
Mercury switches and relays
Laboratory equipment with mercury
Industrial gauges and instruments
Barometers and manometers
Dental amalgam waste
Mercury-containing chemicals
Service includes:
Proper containers for each device type
Special packaging to prevent breakage
All transportation and disposal
Mercury recycling when possible
Complete documentation
Disposal certificates
Elemental Mercury Disposal
For liquid mercury:
Properly containerized collection
Sealed, leak-proof containers
DOT-compliant transportation
Recycling through distillation
Secure storage and handling
Sources:
Broken thermometers
Spill cleanup
Old equipment cleanout
Laboratory stocks
Process equipment
Mercury Lamp Recycling
Fluorescent and HID lamp disposal:
Proper boxing and packaging
Bulk lamp pickup
Recycling of mercury content
Glass recycling
Phosphor powder recovery
Metal end cap recycling
See our dedicated lamp recycling page for more details
Mercury Spill Cleanup
Professional cleanup services:
Small spill cleanup (broken thermometer)
Large spill response
Contaminated area decontamination
Air testing for mercury vapor
Proper cleanup material disposal
Documentation for insurance/compliance
Dental Amalgam Collection
For dental offices:
Amalgam separator waste pickup
Scrap amalgam collection
Contact and non-contact amalgam
Extracted teeth with amalgam
Proper containers and documentation
Recycling of mercury content
Unknown Mercury Items
Identification and disposal:
Assessment of potential mercury content
Testing if needed
Proper classification
Safe disposal pathway
Regulatory compliance
Proper Storage & Handling
Storage Requirements for Mercury Devices
General requirements:
Store in sturdy, sealed containers
Keep in cool, dry area
Away from heat sources
Protected from breakage
Secondary containment recommended
Secured from unauthorized access
Specific device storage:
Thermometers: In original packaging or padded containers
Blood pressure devices: Upright, protected from tipping
Switches: In sealed containers
Lamps: In original boxes or lamp boxes
Never:
Store with incompatible materials
Store near drains
Store in high-traffic areas where breakage likely
Expose to temperature extremes
Handling Precautions
Safe handling practices:
Wear nitrile gloves
Use tongs or tools, not bare hands
Avoid dropping or jarring
Work over trays to contain potential releases
Have spill kit readily available
Ensure good ventilation
Don't:
Touch mercury with bare hands
Vacuum mercury (spreads vapors)
Pour down drains
Sweep with broom (disperses droplets)
Use household vacuum on mercury
Labeling Requirements
Universal waste labels:
"Universal Waste - Mercury Thermometers"
"Universal Waste - Mercury Lamps"
"Universal Waste - Mercury Equipment"
Date of first item added to container
Hazardous waste labels (if applicable):
"Hazardous Waste"
"Mercury" or "Mercury-Containing Devices"
EPA waste code (D009, U151, etc.)
Accumulation start date
Hazard warnings
Accumulation Time Limits
Universal waste:
One year maximum from date first item added
Hazardous waste:
LQG: 90 days
SQG: 180 days (270 if >200 miles to disposal)
VSQG: No specific limit but don't exceed accumulation quantities
Mercury Spill Response
For small spills (less than a thermometer's worth):
Evacuate unnecessary people
Ventilate area
Do NOT vacuum
Use mercury spill kit or:
Use stiff cardboard to gather droplets
Use eyedropper or tape to collect
Place in sealed container
Use sulfur powder or zinc to amalgamate residual
Dispose of cleanup materials as mercury waste
Call us for proper disposal
For large spills:
Evacuate area
Close off contaminated area
Call for professional cleanup: (800) 582-4833
Do not attempt cleanup without proper equipment
Air testing may be needed
Never:
Vacuum mercury spills
Pour down drains
Wash down with water
Sweep with broom
Health Hazards of Mercury
Exposure Routes
Inhalation (most dangerous):
Mercury vapor from elemental mercury
Invisible, odorless at toxic levels
Readily absorbed through lungs
Affects nervous system
Skin contact:
Can absorb through intact skin
Greater risk with broken skin
Organic mercury compounds more easily absorbed
Ingestion:
Accidental ingestion
Contaminated food or water
Bioaccumulation in fish
Health Effects
Acute exposure:
Coughing, chest pain
Difficulty breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Metallic taste
Fever and chills
Headache
Chronic exposure:
Tremors
Memory problems
Mood changes (irritability, depression)
Insomnia
Kidney damage
Neurological damage
Birth defects and developmental problems
Particularly vulnerable:
Pregnant women (fetal development)
Children (developing nervous systems)
Developing fetuses
Nursing infants
Exposure Limits
OSHA PEL: 0.1 mg/m³ (ceiling limit)
ACGIH TLV: 0.025 mg/m³ (8-hour TWA)
NIOSH REL: 0.05 mg/m³ (10-hour TWA)
EPA Reference Concentration: 0.0003 mg/m³ (chronic inhalation)
Mercury Waste Disposal Costs
Cost Factors:
Type of mercury-containing item
Quantity
Packaging requirements
Mercury content
Service frequency
Your location
Recycling vs. disposal
Typical Pricing:
Mercury Thermometers:
Per thermometer: $3-$8 each
Per container (30-50 thermometers): $150-$300
Bulk quantities: Reduced per-unit pricing
Blood Pressure Devices:
Sphygmomanometers: $15-$40 each
Bulk quantities: $12-$30 each
Mercury Switches & Relays:
Per switch: $2-$6 each
Per container (50-100 switches): $150-$300
Elemental Mercury:
Liquid mercury: $5-$15 per pound
Small quantities: $50-$200 per container
Dental Amalgam:
Contact amalgam: $8-$15 per pound
Non-contact amalgam: $5-$10 per pound
Amalgam separator waste: $100-$300 per pickup
Mercury Compounds & Chemicals:
Lab chemicals with mercury: $200-$500 per container
Mercury salts: $5-$15 per pound
Mercury-Containing Equipment:
Laboratory instruments: $50-$300 each
Industrial gauges: $30-$150 each
Barometers: $25-$100 each
Mercury Lamps:
See our lamp recycling page for pricing
Typically $0.15-$0.50 per linear foot
Mercury Spill Cleanup:
Small spill (broken thermometer): $200-$500
Medium spill (equipment failure): $500-$2,000
Large spill or contamination: $2,000-$10,000+
Air testing: $300-$800 per test
Regular Service:
Monthly collection: $150-$500/month
Quarterly collection: $200-$600/quarter
Annual collection: $300-$1,000/year
Volume discounts available
Call (800) 582-4833 for accurate pricing for your mercury waste
Mercury Waste Minimization
Eliminate Mercury Use
Replace mercury devices:
Digital thermometers instead of mercury
Aneroid blood pressure monitors
Electronic thermostats
LED or mercury-free lighting
Digital pressure gauges
Electronic switches
Benefits:
Eliminate disposal costs
Reduce liability
Safer for staff and environment
Often more accurate and durable
Product Substitution
Available alternatives:
Alcohol thermometers
Digital thermometers
Electronic sensors
Non-mercury switches
Mercury-free reagents
Better Management
Reduce breakage:
Proper storage in padded containers
Staff training on handling
Use protective equipment
Immediate cleanup procedures
Inventory management:
Identify all mercury-containing items
Label clearly
Rotate stock
Dispose of old devices
Track mercury use
Participate in Collection Programs
Take advantage of:
Thermostat recycling programs
Lamp recycling programs
Industry-specific collection programs
State-sponsored programs
Manufacturer take-back programs
Common Mercury Waste Scenarios
Hospital Converting to Digital
A 300-bed hospital is replacing all mercury thermometers and blood pressure devices with digital alternatives. They have 500 mercury thermometers and 100 sphygmomanometers to dispose of. We provide complete collection service with proper packaging and documentation. Cost: $3,000-$5,000.
Dental Office - Regular Service
A dental practice generates amalgam waste continuously from procedures. We provide quarterly pickup of amalgam separator contents and scrap amalgam with complete documentation for dental amalgam rule compliance. Cost: $300-$500/quarter.
University Laboratory Cleanout
A university chemistry department is cleaning out old laboratory equipment and has 50 mercury thermometers, 10 barometers, several mercury switches, and 2 pounds of elemental mercury. We provide comprehensive lab cleanout service with proper characterization and disposal. Cost: $1,500-$2,500.
Thermostat Removal Project
An HVAC contractor is removing 200 old mercury thermostats during a building renovation. We provide proper collection containers and pickup service through a thermostat recycling program. Cost: $800-$1,500.
Mercury Spill Cleanup
A medical office breaks a mercury thermometer on carpet. We provide professional cleanup service including mercury recovery, contaminated material removal, air testing, and disposal. Cost: $400-$800.
Why Choose Us for Mercury Waste Disposal
Mercury Expertise
Over 30 years handling mercury waste safely. We understand the unique hazards and regulations associated with mercury.
Complete Safety
Proper protective equipment, trained personnel, and safe handling procedures. Mercury requires specialized expertise.
Regulatory Compliance
Full compliance with EPA universal waste rules, hazardous waste regulations, state mercury laws, and healthcare requirements.
Mercury Recycling
We recycle mercury when possible through distillation and recovery, returning it to useful applications and keeping it out of the environment.
Specialized Services
From medical devices to industrial equipment, we handle all forms of mercury waste.
Emergency Response
Available for mercury spill cleanup and emergency situations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How dangerous is mercury from a broken thermometer? A: One thermometer (0.5-1.5 grams) can contaminate a room if not cleaned up properly. The vapor is toxic. Proper cleanup is essential.
Q: Can I vacuum up mercury? A: Never vacuum mercury. It vaporizes and spreads throughout your building's ventilation system. Use a mercury spill kit.
Q: What should I do if I break a mercury thermometer? A: Ventilate the area, evacuate people, carefully collect mercury without vacuuming or sweeping, place in sealed container, dispose as hazardous waste. Call us if you need professional cleanup.
Q: Are all thermometers mercury? A: No. Many modern thermometers are digital or use alcohol. Silver-colored liquid is mercury; red liquid is usually alcohol (not hazardous).
Q: Can mercury be destroyed? A: No, mercury is an element and cannot be destroyed. It must be managed, contained, or recycled. Proper disposal prevents environmental release.
Q: Is mercury in fluorescent lights dangerous? A: Each lamp contains 5-15 mg mercury. One lamp isn't immediately dangerous, but lamps must be recycled to prevent mercury from reaching the environment. Hundreds of lamps contain significant mercury.
Q: How should schools handle mercury? A: Eliminate mercury from science departments where possible. Properly dispose of mercury thermometers, switches, and old equipment. Train staff on mercury hazards.
Q: What about mercury in fish? A: Mercury bioaccumulates in fish from environmental contamination. This is why proper mercury disposal is critical - to prevent environmental release.
Q: Can mercury poisoning be treated? A: Chelation therapy can help with acute poisoning, but the best approach is prevention. Avoid exposure through proper handling and disposal.
Q: Do all old thermostats contain mercury? A: Most older thermostats (pre-2000s) contain mercury switches. Newer programmable thermostats generally don't. When in doubt, treat as mercury-containing.
Q: How is mercury recycled? A: Mercury is distilled and purified for reuse in industrial applications, research, and manufacturing. Recycling prevents environmental release.
Q: What if I spilled mercury years ago and never cleaned it? A: Mercury can remain in cracks and crevices indefinitely, continuing to emit vapors. Professional assessment and cleanup may be needed.
Get Started with Mercury Waste Disposal
Call (800) 582-4833 or email info@hazardouswastedisposal.com
What to have ready:
Types of mercury-containing items
Quantities of each item type
Condition (intact or broken)
Current storage location
Desired service frequency
Any spills or contamination concerns
We'll provide:
Free quote for your mercury waste
Proper containers and packaging
Collection scheduling
Spill cleanup if needed
All documentation and manifests
Disposal or recycling certificates
Regulatory compliance guidance
Services available:
Regular scheduled collection
One-time pickups
Mercury spill cleanup
Emergency response
Multi-location service
Healthcare-specific services
Dental amalgam programs
Emergency mercury spill cleanup available 24/7
Serving businesses nationwide, since 1992 - expert mercury waste disposal with complete safety and regulatory compliance
MERCURY SAFETY WARNING: Mercury is extremely toxic. Even small amounts can cause serious health effects. Never handle mercury without proper protection. Always use professional disposal services. If you experience mercury exposure symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.