How to Recycle Mercury Thermometers
Glass thermometers containing elemental mercury, requiring specialized hazardous waste disposal due to extreme toxicity. Although banned for medical use in many jurisdictions since 2012, millions remain in households. Each thermometer contains 0.5-3 grams of mercury - enough to contaminate 6,000 gallons of water to unsafe levels. Digital thermometers are safe for electronic recycling.
- 1Handle carefully to prevent breaking and mercury release
- 2Place intact thermometers in rigid, sealed containers
- 3Never attempt to remove mercury or repair broken thermometers
- 4Label containers clearly as 'Mercury Thermometers - Hazardous'
- 5Store in cool, dry place away from children and heat sources
- 6Photograph serial numbers or markings for disposal documentation
- 7Contact local hazardous waste facility before transport
- Household hazardous waste collection facilities
- Municipal hazardous waste collection events
- Some pharmacies with mercury collection programs
- Mercury recycling specialists
- Environmental services companies
- Hospital hazardous waste programs
NEVER throw in regular trash or recycling. Broken mercury thermometers require immediate hazardous waste cleanup - evacuate area, ventilate, never use vacuum cleaner. Mercury vapors are highly toxic and can cause serious neurological damage. Some areas have special collection events for mercury-containing devices.
Mercury is one of the most toxic substances commonly found in households. It bioaccumulates in food chains, causing developmental disabilities and neurological damage in humans and wildlife. Proper mercury recycling recovers 99.9% of mercury content for reuse in industrial applications, preventing environmental contamination that can persist for decades.
- Digital thermometers (more accurate, safer, faster)
- Infrared non-contact thermometers
- Alcohol or gallium-based glass thermometers
- Disposable fever strips for basic temperature screening
Accepted
- Intact mercury fever thermometers
- Mercury laboratory thermometers
- Mercury barometers and weather instruments
- Other mercury-containing measuring devices
Not Accepted
- Digital/electronic thermometers (these go to e-waste)
- Alcohol-based glass thermometers
- Broken mercury thermometers (require special cleanup)
Estimated value: $5-15 disposal fee per thermometer; mercury has recovery value of $3-8 per pound
- Elemental mercury (extremely toxic heavy metal)
- Mercury vapors (cause neurological damage)
- Glass breakage hazard
What should I do if I break a mercury thermometer?
Leave area immediately, ventilate room, never use vacuum. Follow EPA cleanup guidelines using cardboard and tape to collect mercury beads. Contact poison control and hazardous waste facility.
Are mercury thermometers more accurate than digital ones?
No - modern digital thermometers are actually more accurate (±0.2°F vs ±0.4°F for mercury) and much safer. Mercury thermometers take longer to read and pose serious health risks.
Can I keep a mercury thermometer as a backup?
Not recommended due to serious health risks if broken. Digital thermometers with long battery life are safer, more accurate backups. Many areas ban mercury thermometer possession.
How can I tell if my thermometer contains mercury?
Mercury appears as a silver liquid that forms beads when spilled. It's heavy and moves smoothly. Red liquid is usually alcohol. When in doubt, treat as mercury and contact hazardous waste facility.