Mercury Containing Devices

You'd probably expect to find mercury in an old thermometer, but what about those early 1990s "light-up" sneakers that you've held on to just in case you need them for a Halloween costume one day? Now prohibited in the U.S., manufacturers used to make such products with mercury-containing light switches.

Buyer Beware

Some countries still permit the use of mercury in novelty items like toys and jewelry, so be cautious when buying such products. Among other risks, exposure to mercury can harm the pulmonary and central nervous systems, especially in young children.

Go Digital

When replacing an old mercury thermostat or buying a new thermometer, digital is the way to go. These newer products forego the use of mercury altogether.

Thermostat Recycling Corporation

Formed and funded by a group of thermostat manufacturers, the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) promotes the safe collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. TRC has distributed over 3,400 collection containers nationwide.

More information.

People use other products that contain mercury, not just thermometers and thermostats. In the event that any of these products break, there should be certain steps that need to be taken for safe clean up and disposal. In addition to producing information on the do's and dont's of fluorescent light and mercury thermometer breaks, the US Environmental Protection Agency has a website that provides information on storing, transporting and disposing of mercury. www.epa.gov/mercury/spills/index.htm#/whatnever.

Where to go

• All of Santa Barbara County (1)

  • Safety Kleen — 5310 Overpass Road

• Santa Barbara Area (1)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road

• Goleta & UCSB Area (1)

  • *Community Hazardous Waste Collection Center — University of California, Environmental Health and Safety Building, Building 565, Mesa Road

• Lompoc Valley & VAFB (1)

  • City of Lompoc Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility — 1585 N. "V" St

• Santa Maria Valley (1)

  • City of Santa Maria Household Hazardous Waste Facility — 2065 East Main Street

• Outside Santa Barbara County (8)

  • Asbury Environmental Services — 2100 North Alameda Street
  • BGI — 527 North Rice Avenue
  • C.J. Seto Support Services, LLC — 2300 Knoll Dr, Unit G
  • Clean Harbors, Inc. — 880 W Verdulera St
  • Earth911.com - Information Only — 1375 North Scottsdale Road, Suite 140
  • Industrial Waste Utilization — 5601 State Street
  • Stericycle, Incorporated
  • United States Environmental Protection Agency