How to Dispose of Mercury Thermometers in Australia
A mercury thermometer has a small silvery ball inside. This is a dangerous material that can be toxic to humans as well as other species such as household animals and local wildlife. If you don’t properly clean up mercury from the glass, it can cause the mercury to evaporate and contaminate the air. Birds, cats, foxes, and other animals can be seriously hurt if they come in contact with mercury in the thermometer.
Research shows that mercury can be inhaled at room temperature to turn into vapour and attack the central nervous system.
If accidentally swallowed, the mercury thermometer can cause serious health problems.
The Australian Environmental Agency (EA), stresses proper disposal of mercury products, including thermometers. Mercury vapours can cause damage to your immune system, digestive system and kidneys.
Inorganic salts in mercury can cause damage to the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract. Here’s how to dispose of mercury thermometers.
Locate a local disposal centre
You can find a safe disposal centre in your area that will accept mercury thermometers. Ask a friend or check online for a nearby disposal centre.
Ask the employees if they have mercury thermometers.
Place the thermometers in a plastic bag.
You will need a container or bag with a tight seal. Place the thermometer in the container. Then, cover it with the lid.
You should not use large containers as the thermometers can move around and break.
The container should be labelled “mercury” and “hazardous material”, so that people don’t touch it.
Drop the container at Disposal Centre
Before you drop off your container at the local disposal centre, call the facility.
This is done to save time and help you know the hours. You will be informed by the staff at the disposal centre about the times. Place the container in your car and transport it to the disposal centre.
Many disposal and recycling centres in Australia will charge a small fee. Before you give them your container, make sure that you have paid the fee.
You can save time by finding a disposal centre that offers hazardous material collection.
If you are unable to drop off thermometers at your local council, you can contact the recycling centre for collection.
How to dispose of a broken thermometer
Broken thermometers can be very hazardous to your health and well-being. It is important to dispose of it properly.
To protect yourself against mercury vapours, you should first put on rubber gloves and a HEPA filter-based respirator. This will prevent you from getting irritated and can cause sore throat, coughing, and other digestive problems like nausea and vomiting.
Place the pieces of glass on a piece of paper towel.
Avoid vacuuming spilt mercury as the machine can spread it in the indoor space and affect the air quality.
Use a piece of cardboard to collect the toxic material into small balls. Hold the piece at 45 degrees to the floor and sweep the material.
Put the paper towel inside a Ziploc bag and close it immediately to prevent vapours from escaping.
Place the Ziploc bag into a large garbage bag and toss it in the rubbish bin carefully and protect it from interference. Throw away your gloves and wash your hands with soap and lukewarm water.
