Medical & Pharmaceuticals recycling
How to Recycle Mercury Thermometers
Glass fever thermometers containing elemental mercury. EPA recommends household hazardous waste (HHW) collection for households, a different, less formal channel than the 'universal waste' category that applies to business and industrial generators of the same devices.
Check local acceptanceNo consumer payout; HHW disposal is typically freeLast reviewed August 28, 2026
Quick answer
Take an intact mercury thermometer to a household hazardous-waste collection site or local mercury take-back program. Never put one in curbside recycling, and never vacuum or sweep a broken thermometer. Move people and pets away, close doors to the rest of the home, use cardboard, an eyedropper, and tape to collect beads on smooth surfaces, and keep exterior ventilation going for at least 24 hours. Follow local instructions for the debris.
- Recycling route
- Check locally
- Typical value
- No consumer payout; HHW disposal is typically free
How to Prepare
- 1Handle carefully; don't tap, shake, or drop it
- 2Store an intact thermometer in a rigid, sealed container until you can take it to a collection site