These items contain mercury, a naturally occurring, highly toxic, heavy metal that moves between water, air, and soil as a result of natural and human activities.
Mercury should never be discarded in the garbage, flushed down the toilet, or left on the side of a road. All mercury containing products should be disposed of as a hazardous waste.
To keep them from contaminating our air, soil and water — and ultimately, our food. they do not belong in landfill. They should to be taken to a hazardous waste depot.
NOTE: Electromechanical and electronic thermostats may be included in your local recycling program.
Visit: http://www.switchthestat.ca/eng/dropoff.php for a location nearest you.
More information: http://www.canada.com/homes/switch+thermostat/5401860/story.html
Cleaning Up a Mercury Spill
• Do not vacuum
• Make sure the spill area is adequately ventilated.
• Wear rubber gloves to prevent skin contact. Keep hands away from your face — especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Isolate the spill immediately. If it is on a raised surface, contain it so that mercury doesn’t roll onto the floor. Divert spilled mercury from drains, cracks, and crevices.
• Carefully pick up broken glass. Wrap or fold in a paper towel or tissue and place in a leak-proof plastic bag.
• Working from the outside of the spill area toward the centre, push small mercury beads together with a card, stiff paper, or squeegee to form larger droplets. Use an eyedropper or two stiff pieces of paper to pick up droplets and place into a leak-proof plastic bag.
• Use the sticky side of duct or masking tape (two inches or wider) to pick up remaining glass and mercury droplets. Pay special attention to cracks or crevices in tile or wood floors. Place the glass, mercury, and tape into the same leak-proof bag.
• Using a flashlight, look all around the area of the spill. The light will reflect off the mercury beads, making it easier to see them. Pick up any droplets using the procedure above.
• When finished, carefully remove the rubber gloves and place them in the leak-proof plastic bag.
• Place all mercury-containing clean-up debris (gloves, tape, mercury, etc. contained in a leak-proof plastic bag) into another leak-proof plastic bag, twist or snap shut, and seal the opening with tape.
• Take the bag to a free Household Hazardous Waste collection facility or collection event.
