FREE mercury disposal events

Nevada Division of Environmental Protection to convene FREE mercury disposal events in rural counties across Nevada

Events to provide rural Nevada residents opportunities to dispose of potentially harmful household items containing elemental mercury

Did you know that certain household products, including older thermometers, thermostats, certain vehicle parts, and other common items may contain mercury? Products that contain mercury must be disposed of properly, as these items can leak if they crack or break and pose health risks if ingested, inhaled, or if they come into contact with your skin.

To help protect public health and the natural environment, the Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) will be hosting the following mercury collection events, at no cost to community members:

• Saturday, April 24 from 10am to 2 pm – Hawthorne - North end of D. St. next to Veteran’s Memorial Park
• Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm – Tonopah - Nye County Roads Department Yard
• Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm – Goldfield - Goldfield Community Center
• Saturday, May 15 from 10am to 2pm – Eureka - Eureka County Landfill

“How we dispose of mercury and other hazardous materials matters,” said NDEP Administrator Greg Lovato. “We are looking forward to hosting mercury collection events for numerous communities across the state to help prevent mercury pollution from contaminating homes and the natural environment. I thank EPA for funding these events through their grant program, and supporting our mission to protect public health and the environment.”

“Mercury is a dangerous neurotoxin and proper disposal is important to reduce both potential human and environmental exposures,” said Jeff Scott Director of the EPA’s Pacific Southwest Land Office. “The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection is a great partner in providing this important mercury collection service.”

Household items that may contain mercury and that qualify to be disposed of at NDEP's collection events include the following:

• Older thermometers often contain mercury. If the liquid in the thermometer is silver, it is most likely a mercury thermometer. 
• Mercury switches or relays that may be contained in cars manufactured before 2003.
• Thermostats may contain mercury.

To learn more about mercury disposal services offered in Nevada visit ndep.nv.gov/land/mercury