Mercury Recycling

Mercury containing devices and products are encouraged to to be recycled instead of disposed.

Households and conditionally exempt businesses are allowed to dispose of mercury containing devices into landfills, contingent upon acceptance by the landfill authority. Disposal is enhanced by covering the mercury containing device with soil before breaking the container, such as a fluorescent lamp or ampoule (used in thermostats and switches). This helps to bind the mercury with the soil rather than it being released to the atmosphere where the vapor poses a greater health concern.

For regulated generators of mercury wastes and others who prefer to manage mercury in a more environmentally sound way, consider the following recycling avenues and resources:

In production.

The following organizations promote recycling and list collection sites through location searches. Not all recyclers are listed on these site. Check locally for other recyclers.

Updated: 15 May 2008

Copyright © 2005 North Dakota Department of Health

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