Why is mercury a problem?
Mercury, which is found in some common household products, is a concern because exposure to it can be harmful to humans and animals. This shiny, silver metal was once widely used in manufacturing, agriculture and other industries. It is now considered a dangerous pollutant.
Mercury is a neurotoxin that damages or destroys nerve tissue at high concentrations. Pregnant women and nursing mothers should be especially careful to avoid exposure to mercury, and parents should ensure that young children are not exposed to it.
Mercury affects all animals—humans and wildlife alike.
What products contain mercury?
Many commonly used household products contain mercury. There is no danger of exposure to mercury if these products are used appropriately and disposed of properly. Breakage or damage may allow mercury to escape, so handle these products with care.
Some common household products that contain mercury include:
- Appliances
- Button batteries
- Electric relays
- Electronics
- Thermostats
- Thermometers
- Fluorescent light bulbs
- Measurement and control devices
- Tilt switches in silent light switches, security systems, space heaters and automobile hood switches
How do I properly dispose of mercury-containing products?
In Minnesota it is illegal to place any mercury-containing product or device in the trash or wastewater disposal system. All items containing mercury must be recycled.
Hennepin County accepts all types of mercury-containing products from households at the county drop-off facilities. For more disposal information, see the A to Z How-to-Get-Rid-of-It Guide.
For more information, see Mercury and Mercury-Containing Products factsheet (pdf 308KB).
