Waste & Materials Management Program

Medical / Infectious Waste

Mercury Thermometer Collections

The Department of Natural Resources encourages local governments and businesses to collect mercury thermometers from the public and from schools. This will help minimize public health risks from broken thermometers and keep mercury out of the environment. During 2004-2005, the Department offered grants for persons holding thermometer collections. The 2004-2005 grant has expired and we regret we are no longer able to offer any financial assistance to cover outreach or disposal costs.

If you have a mercury thermometer, we suggest you call your local solid waste or streets department to ask when and where your next local household hazardous waste collection program will be held. In the meantime, store your thermometer in a rigid plastic container or a plastic bag, out of reach of children.

If you wish to hold a thermometer collection, we suggest you check out the following resources:

Links to Additional Resources

• NR690, Universal Waste Chapter (exit DNR)
• Mercury Spills and Clean-up
• DNR Mercury Resources
• Wisconsin Specific Universal Waste Guidance - Revised February 2004
• The Medical Waste Reporter (January 2001 issue) See page two of this newsletter for WDNR for advice on holding a mercury thermometer collection.
• Health Care Without Harm (exit DNR) has a publication describing how to hold a mercury thermometer collection, How to Hold a Mercury Thermometer Roundup
• Hospitals for a Healthy Environment (exit DNR) Information on reducing mercury in the health care industry.