Mercury-Containing Devices

October 26, 2023

Mercury is a persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic pollutant that when released to the environment is harmful to humans and wildlife. It bioaccumulates in the food web.

Mercury-containing devices are banned from disposal in landfills and incinerators, including:

Thermostats.
Fluorescent lamps.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFL).
Thermometers (silver ones).
Tilt switches.
Button batteries.

Check with your local transfer station to see if they accept mercury-containing devices. If not, ask about your disposal options. Your local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event or permanent facility may accept them.

devices containing mercury including different light bulbs, button batteries, a silver thermometer and a thermostat four, small, black mercury-containing tilt switches

Visit the NHDES Mercury webpage to learn about the impacts of mercury, disposal and recycling, and how to clean up broken devices that contain mercury.

Universal wastes are a subcategory of recycled, hazardous wastes. Read our universal waste blog to learn more!

Questions?

Households and municipalities should contact the NHDES HHW Program via email at hhw@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2047. Learn more about hazardous waste.

Visit our Managing My Waste page to learn about other types of household waste.