Nevada Division of Environmental Protection
Did you know that certain household products, including older thermometers, electronics with LCD screens, various antiques, and other common items may contain mercury? Products that contain mercury must be disposed of properly, as these items can leak if they crack or break and pose health risks if ingested, inhaled, or if they come into contact with your skin.
To help protect public health and the natural environment, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) will be hosting the following mercury collection events, at no cost to community members:
— Saturday, April 24 from 10am to 2 pm – Hawthorne – North end of D. St. next to Veteran’s Memorial Park
— Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm – Tonopah – Nye County Roads Department Yard
— Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm – Goldfield – Goldfield Community Center
— Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm – Eureka – Eureka County Landfill
“How we dispose of mercury and other hazardous materials matters,” said NDEP Administrator Greg Lovato. “We are looking forward to hosting mercury collection events for numerous communities across the state to help prevent mercury pollution from contaminating homes and the natural environment. I thank EPA for funding these events through their grant program, and supporting our mission to protect public health and the environment.”
“Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin and proper disposal is important to reduce both potential human and environmental exposures,” said Jeff Scott Director of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Land Office. “The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is a great partner in providing this important mercury collection service.”
Household items that may contain mercury include:
— Older thermometers often contain mercury. If the liquid in the thermometer is silver, it is most likely a mercury thermometer.
— Some antiques such as barometers, clock pendulums, mirrors, vases and organs contain mercury.
— Electric appliances including some chest freezers, space heaters, clothes dryers, clothes irons and washing machines may contain mercury switches that turn the device on or off, or turn a light on or off.
— Cars manufactured before 2003 may contain mercury switches or relays.
— Mercury is used in LCD screens and monitors. It is also used in laptop screen shutoffs. Televisions manufactured before 1991 may also contain mercury switches. These products need to be properly disposed at household hazardous waste collection centers.
— Some jewelry, mostly imported from Mexico, contains liquid elemental (metallic) mercury encased in glass. If the glass breaks, the mercury can spill.
— Fluorescent bulbs, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), high intensity discharge (HID) lamps, ultraviolet lamps, neon lights.
— Certain skin creams that are generally imported from outside the U.S. and sold as skin lightening or freckle creams.
— Thermostats may contain mercury.
Go here to learn more about mercury disposal services offered in Nevada.
