Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is present throughout the environment. Found in cinnabar, which is mined from the Earth’s crust, mercury is refined and used in the manufacture of many products. Human activity can release some of that mercury into the air, water and soil.  Mercury concentrations in air are usually low and of little direct concern. But when mercury enters water, biological processes transform it to a highly toxic form that builds up in fish and animals that eat fish. People are exposed to mercury primarily by eating fish.

Products that Contain Mercury

All of the Items below can be recycled, thus preventing the release of mercury in to the atmosphere. These products should not be disposed of in the trash!

Fluorescent bulbs: All fluorescent bulbs typically contain 10-40 milligrams of mercury (.01 - .04 grams of mercury). Nonetheless, these bulbs use up to 50-75% percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs, making them the environmentally preferred choice. Remember to keep fluorescent bulbs out of the trash, avoid breakage and contact a recycling service to remove them.

Thermometers: Mercury thermometers can be identified by the silver colored liquid in the bulb.

Thermometers typically contain 0.5 - 0.7 grams of mercury. Large thermometers can have as much as 3 grams of mercury. Alternatives: Replace with digital thermometers or alcohol (red bulb) thermometers.

Thermostats: Non-electronic thermostats contain an average of 5.25 grams of mercury. Alternatives: Replace with electronic thermostats.

Other sources of mercury:

• Button cell batteries (some types) - like those used in watches

• Dental fillings (mercury free alternatives are available)

• Mercury switches - silent light switches and tilt switches, found in automotive trunk and hood lights, clothes irons, and space heaters

• Old pesticides, fungicides, and paint
  
  Source: Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA), pamphlet: “Keep Mercury from Rising”

What are the Hazards of Mercury?

Depending on the specific chemical form and dose, mercury can be toxic when eaten, inhaled or placed on the skin. At low concentrations, it may seem to have no effect but symptoms may develop later or become noticeable with continued exposure.

Signs of toxicity in people include the loss of feeling or a burning sensation in the arms and legs; hearing, vision or memory loss; paralysis; psychological effects; congenital malformations; kidney problems; and, at sufficiently high doses, even death. Toxicity from exposure during pregnancy can cause developmental delays in children who appear normal at birth. For example, they may take longer than expected to learn how to walk, speak or do both. And, because years can sometimes pass before these signs of mercury poisoning become evident, the need for treatment or other intervention is often recognized too late to be of help.

How are Humans Exposed to Mercury?

When items that contain mercury break, breathing the toxic vapors can cause serious health problems. The improper disposal of mercury can cause it to be released into the atmosphere. Airborne mercury becomes a concern because it attaches to water droplets and enters waterways where biological processes transform it to a highly toxic form that builds up in fish and animals that eat fish. Most human exposure to mercury is from eating mercury contaminated fish.

Once mercury is released into the environment, it persists indefinitely. Current levels of mercury pollution in Massachusetts, as well as the other northeastern states and eastern Canada are already quite high. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health has issued fish consumption advisories for over 80 water bodies in the state as a result of mercury contamination. The continued use and release of mercury will only add to this burden. By recycling mercury-containing products you can keep mercury out of the waste stream and prevent it from being released into the environment.

Sources:   United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) www.epa.gov/mercury
Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) www.state.ma.us/envir/mercury.htm
Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) www.in.gov/idem/ctap/mercury
Fact sheet: “Mercury in our Environment” created by the Center for Ecological Technology (CET)
Massachusetts Dept. of Environmental Protection (MA DEP) “Mercury in Massachusetts: An Evaluation of Sources, Emissions, Impacts and Controls” www.state.ma.us/dep/files/mercury/hgexsum.htm

BACK TO THE TOP

Massachusetts Laws and Regulations:

Mercury containing devices are regulated under the Massachusetts Universal Waste Rule [310 CMR 30.1000]

Universal wastes are specific hazardous wastes that are commonly generated by households, businesses, and industries that are subject to streamlined regulations.

Universal Wastes covered in the Massachusetts Rule:

These wastes must qualify as hazardous wastes before they are considered universal wastes:

• hazardous batteries, primarily nickel cadmium (NiCd), lead acid batteries, and button batteries;

• mercury-containing devices, such as thermostats, manometers, switches, water meters, thermometers, and gauges;

• mercury-containing lamps, such as fluorescent lamps; and

• hazardous waste pesticides, e.g. mercury-based pesticides, arsenicals, and chlorinated pesticides; banned or suspended pesticides; pesticides subject to recall by the manufacturer or FIFRA; certain unused pesticides, and/or pesticides collected in a state-approved waste pesticide collection program.

What are the General Universal Waste Rule Requirements?

• All handlers must mark and label their containers and be able to demonstrate the length of time that the universal waste has been accumulating.  All handlers have an accumulation limit of one year.

Large Quantity Handlers are handlers who accumulate 5,000 kg or more total of universal waste on-site at any one time.  They must notify and keep records for each shipment received and sent for at least three years (with the exception of handlers of batteries that already have an U.S. EPA ID number).

Small Quantity Handlers are handlers who accumulate less than 5,000 kg on-site at any one time.  They have no notification or record keeping requirements.

• Universal wastes must be stored in a separate area marked as a Universal Waste accumulation area.  Containers of universal wastes or individual universal waste items must be labeled as Universal Waste, with the name of the waste, e.g., Universal Wastes - Thermostats.  Additional handling requirements depend on the type of waste: 

Pesticides: Containers should show the original label of the product, and must be kept closed and structurally sound.

Batteries: Handlers may discharge batteries to remove the electric charge, remove electrolyte, or regenerate used batteries.

Thermostats: Handlers may remove mercury-containing ampoules from thermostats over or in a container to assure that any broken ampoules that may result in spills or leaks are contained immediately.  Removed ampoules are a hazardous waste.  The area in which ampoules are removed must meet OSHA exposure standards for mercury.

Lamps: Dismantling or crushing of mercury-containing lamps must be done with a permit and in such a manner that, after processing, components can be separated into individual waste streams. The separated components must be recycled or reused and the handler must retain proof of their recycling/reuse.

For Further Information About the Universal Waste Bans:

• call the DEP InfoLine at 617-338-2255

• view DEP’s “Universal Waste Rule in Massachusetts: Information for Small Quantity Waste Generators”: www.state.ma.us/dep/recycle/files/univrule.doc

• or view “MA DEP Hazardous Waste Regulations 310 CMR 30.1000 - 310 CMR 30.1082”: www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/dhm/files/regs/1000.htm

Benefits of Recycling Mercury Containing Products:

·          It’s the Law! The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) regulates all businesses and institutions that generate any amount of hazardous waste. See the “Massachusetts Laws and Regulations” section of this page

·          Protect the Environment: recycling mercury-containing products keeps mercury out of the waste stream where it could be released into the environment and contribute to serious health hazards.

·         Improve Your Organization’s Public Image: By letting customers and colleagues know that your business is making an effort to recycle and provide for a sustainable future, you will increase customer satisfaction and confidence in your business.

BACK TO THE TOP

Tips on Recycling Mercury Products

1. Contact a Recycling Service:

View the “Recycling Services Listing” section of this page to find contact information about mercury recycling services available in your area.

2. Identify Collection and Storage Needs:

When collecting mercury-containing products it is important that products do not break and are stored carefully. A well thought out collection system is needed. Also, it is important to identify adequate space where the mercury –containing products can be stored between pick-ups. A good example is finding adequate storage space for used fluorescent lamps. It is best to discuss individual storage needs and proper handling with your recycling service provider.

3. Educate the Custodial Staff:

Most likely the custodial staff will be involved in the recycling process so it is extremely important for them to receive thorough education, receiving new employee training as well as refreshers on recycling procedures. The staff should be encouraged to communicate any concerns in this area to management and the recycling coordinator.

*  If There is a Mercury Spill:

On a hard surface, push the beads of mercury together with a stiff piece of paper or cardboard. Lift the beads with the cardboard and place into a plastic container. Pick up any remaining mercury with duct or packing tape or an eyedropper and place in the container along with the pieces of the broken item, the cardboard and gloves. Close the container and seal it with tape. Do not throw in the trash.

On carpet, cut out the contaminated section. Place it in a plastic bag. Place any pieces of the broken item in a plastic container along with your gloves. Close the container and seal it and the bag with tape. Do not throw in the trash.

In a drain, remove the sink trap and pour the contents into a plastic container. Close the container and seal it with tape. Do not throw in the trash.

Label all containers containing mercury and dispose of according to the Universal Waste Regulations. For information on how to comply with the Universal Waste Regulations, including proper labeling procedures, view the "Massachusetts Laws and Regulations" section above.

BACK TO THE TOP

Mercury Recycling Services:

For Fluorescent Lamps and Ballasts:

• The Recycling Services Directory and Market Guide for Massachusetts:
  This online Directory lists vendors who accept, collect, or purchase recyclable materials from Massachusetts communities and businesses. Hardcopies of the Directory are available upon request. Updated May, 2001.
  
  

• View www.nema.org/lamprecycle for a nationwide list of fluorescent lamp recycling services:
  This site was developed by the lamp section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to provide a one-stop source of information about spent fluorescent and high intensity discharge lamp recycling. It contains information about federal and state regulatory spent lamp management requirements, and state information contacts. It also lists companies that are in the business of handling and recycling spent lamps.

For all other Mercury-Bearing Devices:

BACK TO THE TOP

Associated Links:

GENERAL MERCURY INFORMATION:

Massachusetts Department Of Environmental Protection:
Mercury Resources Page
www.state.ma.us/dep/bwp/hgres.htm
A one-stop resource for learning about mercury, its environmental and health impacts, safe management practices and state efforts to reduce and ultimately eliminate the mercury threat.

Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers (ALMR)
www.almr.org
The ALMR is a non-profit organization  representing members of the mercury recycling industry, and serving as an educational and informational resource to government, business and the public. This site contains information on disposal regulations, background information, news, and related links.

Environmental Protection Agency (Headquarters Site): Mercury Information
www.epa.gov/mercury/

Environmental Protection Agency New England: Mercury Information www.epa.gov/region01/topics/pollutants/mercury.html

Environmental Protection Agency - The Waste Connection: Mercury in the Environment
www.epa.gov/grtlakes/p2/mercpam.html
This information is geared toward the Great Lakes area of the country but may still be useful to Massachusetts organizations.

Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM): Mercury--Where is it?
www.in.gov/idem/mercury/
Although this site was designed for the state of Indiana, it does have useful information about products that contain mercury as well as general guidelines to mercury waste management.

Massachusetts Executive Office Of Environmental Affairs (EOEA): Mercury Elimination
www.state.ma.us/envir/mercury.htm

Mercury Policy Project
www.mercurypolicy.org
The Mercury Policy Project (MPP) is a project of the Tides Center formed in 1998 to raise awareness about the threat of mercury contamination. MPP works to promote policies to eliminate mercury uses, reduce the export and trafficking of mercury, and significantly reduce mercury exposures at the local, national, and international levels. This site contains a comprehensive amount of information on mercury. An interesting feature about the site is that they run a mercury e-mail listserv.

National Academy of Sciences: Mercury Report
books.nap.edu/books/0309071402/html/1.html#pagetop
A report on the toxicological effects of Methyl mercury. Published in 2000.

Northeast Recycling Coalition (NERC):
Mercury Contacts and Programs in the NERC States
www.nerc.org/bulletin/20010401.html#8
A list of Mercury related contacts in the northeast states.

The Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA):
Mercury Web Page
www.newmoa.org/prevention/mercury/
NEWMOA is a nonprofit, nonpartisan interstate association that has a membership composed of the hazardous waste, solid waste, waste site cleanup and pollution prevention program directors for the environmental agencies in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. 

The Mercury section of the NEWMOA website contains informational resources designed to help the NEWMOA states achieve their “virtual elimination” goal for mercury by focusing in particular on efforts to reduce or eliminate mercury from the waste stream.

Recycler’s World: Mercury Recycling Category
www.recycle.net/recycle/Metal-E/hg/
Recycler's World was established as a world wide trading site for information related to secondary or recyclable commodities, by-products, used & surplus items or materials. This section of the site focuses on mercury recycling services information.

United States Geological Survey (USGS): Mercury Research in the USGS
minerals.usgs.gov/mercury/
The USGS serves the Nation as an independent fact-finding agency that collects, monitors, analyzes, and provides scientific understanding about natural resource conditions, issues, and problems. This page provides details about USGS mercury investigations to help guide environmental planning and management.

FLUORESCENT LIGHTS:

Lamprecycle.org
www.nema.org/lamprecycle/
This site was developed by the lamp section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to provide a one-stop source of information about spent fluorescent and high intensity discharge lamp recycling. It contains information about Federal and state regulatory spent lamp management requirements, and state information contacts. It also lists companies that are in the business of handling and recycling spent lamps.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Fluorescent Lamp Management: A Fact Sheet for Businesses and Institutions
www.state.ma.us/dep/files/lamps.htm

MERCURY-BEARING THERMOMETERS:

Environmental Protection Agency: Mercury Fever Thermometers
http://www.epa.gov/glnpo/bnsdocs/hg/thermometers.html
Find the answers to frequently asked questions about mercury fever thermometers, learn why retailers should consider discontinuing the sale of mercury thermometers, and why many state and local agencies are encouraging the use of non-mercury alternatives and the proper disposal of mercury thermometers.

MERCURY-BEARING THERMOSTATS:
http://www.nema.org/index_nema.cfm/664/
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), a not-for-profit corporation owned by three National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) member companies, facilitates the collection by HVAC wholesalers from contractors of all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats so that the mercury can be purified for re-use. 

MERCURY IN DENTAL OFFICES:

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA): Mercury in Dental Facilities
www.mwra.state.ma.us/sewer/html/dentsum.htm
This site contains an executive summary that presents the results of a study by the MWRA which characterizes discharges to the sewer from dental facilities.

MERCURY IN HOSPITALS: 

Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) 
Mercury Web Page
www.noharm.org/index.cfm?page_ID=12
The HCWH coalition is a broad-based international campaign designed to reform the environmental practices of the health care industry.  The campaign's mission is to transform the health care industry so it is no longer a source of environmental harm by eliminating pollution in health care practices without compromising safety or care. HCWH works to engage the health care industry in pollution prevention initiatives, including the phase-out of mercury-containing medical devices and products. The web page contains fact sheets and other resources on managing and eliminating mercury containing products.

Medical Academic and Scientific Community Organization, Inc. (MASCO):
The Mercury Workgroup Site
www.masco.org/mercury
MASCO is a charitable corporation established in 1972 by its member institutions to plan, develop, and enhance the Longwood Medical and Academic Area (LMA) (located in Boston, MA) for the benefit of the general public and its members, and to create and implement programs that assist the institutions and individuals in the LMA.

For the past year, MASCO has been working with the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority (MWRA) and area hospitals in a collaborative process that stresses cooperation and the pooling of resources to identify and address the problem of mercury contained in hospital and medical facilities' wastewater streams. This public-private partnership called the Hospital Mercury Work Group is described in detail on this web page

Sustainable Hospitals Project
www.sustainablehospitals.org/HTMLSrc/IP_mercury_factsheets.html
The Sustainable Hospitals Project (SHP) provides technical support to the healthcare industry for selecting products and work practices that eliminate or reduce occupational and environmental hazards, maintain quality patient care, and contain costs. The Mercury section of the site outlines mercury problems and solutions in the hospital sector.

BACK TO THE TOP

Return to the WasteCap
Home Page

WasteCap of Massachusetts
68 Hopkinton Road
Westboro, MA 01581

Phone: 781-679-2176
 Fax: 978-703-1285
wastecap@wastecap.org