Community Elemental Mercury Collection Event

LAS VEGAS, NV – The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection (NDEP) is pleased to announce an elemental mercury collection event in collaboration with the Southern Nevada Health District. This event aims to provide a safe and convenient disposal solution for elemental mercury in household quantities. Elemental mercury is a dense, silver-white metal that exists in liquid form at room temperature. It is a highly toxic substance often used in thermometers, barometers, and some electrical devices, posing serious health risks if ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin.

WHAT: Community Mercury Collection Event

WHEN: Saturday, April 13, 2024, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE: Southern Nevada Health District’s Main Office, 280 S. Decatur Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89107

CONTACT: Mike Richardson, (702) 668-3907  

The Nevada Division of Environmental Protection urges residents to participate in the elemental mercury collection event and take proactive steps to safeguard public health and the environment. Together, we can mitigate the risks associated with mercury pollution and create a healthier, safer community.

Mercury, a naturally occurring metal, is commonly found in various household items such as thermometers, thermostats, electronics, and fluorescent lamps. Improper disposal of these items can lead to mercury pollution, contaminating air, water, and soil. We will accept elemental mercury in household quantities. The mercury must be delivered in a sealed, undamaged, or original plastic or metal container that does not leak.

Items we will not accept include commercially generated elemental mercury, light fixture ballasts, fluorescent lights, HID lamps, or CFL bulbs, and mercury combined with any other compounds (PCBs, fluorides, chlorides, bromides, iodides, etc.)

Learn more about mercury at https://ndep.nv.gov/land/mercury