Mercury-Containing Devices and Demolition

Some items inside residential buildings contain mercury, which poses a persistent and toxic human health and environmental threat. These materials should be carefully salvaged for proper recycling to prevent mercury contamination.

In general, mercury-containing items should be isolated, labeled, and taken to a mercury recycler or consolidation site. Mercury should not be removed from items. Fluorescent lamps should not be crushed.

• Check with your state environmental agency about how to properly manage and dispose of mercury-containing devices in your area. 
• Recommended steps in case of a mercury spill or release:
  • When a mercury thermometer breaks (or the amount spilled is about the same amount as in a thermometer)
  • When the amount spilled is more than what's in a thermometer
• Before You Tear it Down, Get the Mercury Out - Recommended practices for pre-demolition removal of mercury-containing devices from residential buildings. Discusses mercury-containing gas pressure regulators and boiler heating systems (both contain a significant amount of mercury) and mercury-containing thermostats.
• Mercury in Consumer Products -- includes information on recycling and disposing of items that contain mercury