Mercury-Containing Devices and Demolition

Some items inside residential buildings contain mercury, which poses a persistent and toxic human health and environmental threat. These materials should be carefully salvaged for proper recycling to prevent mercury contamination.

old-fashioned round thermostat, the kind that contains mercury

In general, mercury-containing items should be isolated, labeled, and taken to a mercury recycler or consolidation site. Mercury should not be removed from items.

Check with your state environmental agency about how to properly manage and dispose of mercury-containing devices in your area.
Recommended steps in case of a mercury spill or release:
- When a mercury thermometer breaks (or the amount spilled is about the same amount as in a thermometer)
- When the amount spilled is more than what's in a thermometer
Before You Tear it Down, Get the Mercury Out (pdf) (445.85 KB) - Recommended practices for pre-demolition removal of mercury-containing devices from residential buildings. Discusses mercury-containing gas pressure regulators and boiler heating systems (both contain a significant amount of mercury) and mercury-containing thermostats.
Mercury in Consumer Products -- includes information on recycling and disposing of items that contain mercury

Mercury-Containing Devices and Demolition

Large-Scale Residential Demolition