Thermometers

Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Contains Mercury
Hazardous Waste E-Waste

Depending on the type of thermometer, will determine if the item is considered hazardous waste or e-waste.  See below for more information…

mercury-thermometer-250

How to Check for Mercury

A silver, metallic liquid will be visible from inside the bulb or vial if the thermometer contains mercury.

Trash Bin

Do Not Put in Garbage

Thermometers containing either mercury or digital components should be disposed of as hazardous waste. Never throw them in the garbage.

Digital Thermometers Are E-Waste

Remove any batteries and dispose of them as household hazardous waste. Then dispose of digital thermometers as e-waste because they contain small electronic parts.

Ways to Reduce

NO-mercury

Don't Buy Mercury

Mercury is a highly toxic substance. Avoid purchasing mercury to reduce the amount that leaches into lakes and rivers.

Invest in Quality

To reduce waste, invest in a quality thermometer that will last a long time.

Did You Know?

Mercury-Free Medical Devices Only

Decades ago, healthcare facilities in U.S. and Europe were responsible for contributing most of the mercury polluting our environment. Once they realized the dangers of mercury exposure, they phased out the use of medical devices containing mercury.