Prevention
Where is mercury found in homes and businesses?
Mercury has many useful properties. Because it is liquid at room temperature, combines easily with other metals, and expands and contracts evenly with temperature changes, mercury has been used in many household, medical, and industrial products. A few examples are:
Fluorescent Light tubes and bulbs, including compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs
Button batteries from watches and hearing aids
Thermometers
Thermostats and switches
Old latex and oil paints (manufactured before August 1990)
Chemistry sets, older toys and games
If you have any of these items in your home, DO NOT throw them in the garbage or pour mercury down the drain. Avoid touching liquid mercury from spills. Prompt, correct clean-up is essential. Visit the MPCA Mercury website for more information about cleaning up spills in your home.
See WLSSD's Household Hazardous Waste Facility hours for safe, free disposal for mercury-containing items from residents.