In Minnesota, it is illegal to throw away a mercury thermometer or a mercury thermostat because they are hazardous - never put them in your garbage, whether it is intact or broken. Take mercury thermometers and thermostats to your county's household hazardous waste collection site. To find the collection site nearest you, go to the Household Hazardous Waste page.
Broken Thermometer? Spilled Mercury?
For more information, see Cleaning up spilled mercury in the home on the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency web site.Mercury in Fish
Once released into our air and water, mercury can end up in the fish we eat. To learn how you can reduce your exposure to mercury (and other contaminants) when eating fish, visit the Minnesota Department of Health website.Identifying Sources of Mercury
To identify sources of mercury, how it's released, and what we can do to help reduce risks to our health and the environment, visit the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency website.
Reduction Tips
Alternatives to Mercury Thermometers & Thermostats
Digital and alcohol thermometers and thermostats are alternatives to those that contain mercury. Dakota and Ramsey counties offer a free digital fever thermometer in
exchange for a mercury thermometer. Call your county for information.
More Information on Reducing Exposure to Mercury
For more information on the risks of having mercury thermometers in your home, visit the Health Care Without Harm website.
Disposal Information
Follow these guidelines to dispose of a mercury thermometer:- Identify the type of thermometer. A mercury thermometer is made of glass and contains a silver, metallic gray or black liquid.
- Transport a mercury thermometer in a rigid, sealed container like a small plastic food container to avoid breakage on the way to the collection site.
- Alcohol thermometers - those containing red liquid - are OK to throw in the garbage.
See the Rethink Recycling advice on properly disposing of other household products containing mercury, such as fluorescent bulbs, certain types of batteries and electronic products.
