disposal of mercury

[debcr]

While clearing out an old shed I have come across 6 glass containers with mercury in them - how can I dispose of them safely?

[jake-the-peg]

Legally I think this is a bit of a grey area in terms of a domestic situation:

The legal position concerning the disposal of mercury and mercury wastes from “households”
(domestic premises including residential care homes) is quite simple. The Special Waste Regulations
19964 implemented the Hazardous Waste Directive (91/689/EEC)5 and replaced the 1980 Control
of Pollution (Special Waste) Regulations6. The regulations specifically exclude household waste
from control. Thus wastes from “household” sources cannot be special.

I'd recommend calling your local council and asking them. If they get funny and start asking for money you could try calling a few scrap metal dealers. They have links to recycling firms and you might find they're willing to take them off your hands if you've got a significant quantity.

[Eric Git]

HI,

Why notcontact your local compreshensive/seconday school. They have science labs and use mercury quite a bit in Chemistry, ask them and I'm sure they'll be able to point you in the right direction.

[spacechimp]

Sell it as a cure-all.

[koamu05]

If the mercury is in metallic form [ as in a barometer or thermometer ] then it is only safe while it is sealed. Mercury is toxic and can cause nerve, brain & kidney damage among other things! Play safe and contact Environmental Health on www.direct.gov.uk for advice.