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Erie
County Waste Reduction Program
Mercury
Thermometer Exchange
Erie County Waste Reduction, in partnership with Huron, Perkins, Berlin Heights,
Margaretta, and Groton Fire Departments, and Erie County Emergency Management
Agency (EMA) has initiated a sustainable, mercury recycling opportunity for Erie
County residents.
Mercury is a naturally occurring and highly toxic heavy metal. It remains a
silvery liquid metal at room temperature, but when heated or exposed to air, it
becomes an invisible and odorless vapor. The affect mercury has on humans,
wildlife, and the environment in general can be devastating. Whether it is
absorbed through the skin, inhaled, or ingested, mercury causes muscle tremors,
irritability, dysfunction in immune systems, loss of vision and hearing,
respiratory problems, and even death.
Bring a mercury filled thermometer to any of the above listed fire stations and
exchange it for a new, environmentally safe digital thermometer. Transport the
mercury thermometer in a sealed plastic bag (Ziploc) or leak proof container for
safety
In the past, this event was held on a specific day, and many residents were not
available to participate. Therefore, a resident may bring a mercury thermometer
to any of the above listed fire stations whenever it is convenient for them.
With the recent passage of Ohio HB 443, the State of Ohio has taken the first
step in banning the sale of mercury filled items. Removing the existing items
from area households is our goal, and affording residents the opportunity to do
so at any time may help achieve it.
Lisa Beursken, Erie County Solid Waste or Tina Sevenbergen, Erie County Waste
Reduction can be reached at 419-433-7303 to answer any questions regarding this
program.
To safely
dispose of mercury or mercury-containing devices, contact the
Erie County Emergency Management Agency at 419-627-7617. The EMA will pick
up and deliver the mercury to a hazardous waste recycler. Do not attempt to
transport the mercury or mercury-containing devices yourself.
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