Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has been used in common household products including thermostats, thermometers and fluorescent lamps. Mercury is released into the air when these products are broken or disposed of in landfills and incinerators.

Exposure to mercury slows fetal and child development, impacts the central nervous system, impairs brain function and causes loss of memory and muscle control, tremors and kidney disease.

Mercury shows up in dangerous levels in fish at the top of the food chain. Bass, perch, pickerel, trout and salmon have all shown high levels of mercury, as have the eagles and loons that feed on them.

We can all help prevent mercury pollution by recycling products that contain mercury.

Recycle mercury-containing products

Products containing mercury are labeled with the “Hg” symbol.

Household thermostats
Renovating or upgrading to a programmable thermostat? Receive a $5 in-store coupon when you recycle your old mercury thermostat at participating retailers, or a $5 check through a mail-in program. Find out how at www.maine.gov/dep/rwm/mercury/hgthermo.htm.

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs)
CFLs are a great way to reduce electricity use, but they contain small amounts of mercury. Bring CFLs to participating Maine retailers for free recycling. Find them at www.mainedep.com.

Other mercury products
You can recycle other fluorescent lamps, fever thermometers and mercury products at your local solid waste facilities and household hazardous waste collection sites. The Environmental Depot in Lewiston (www.envdepot.com) and Portland’s Riverside Recycling Center (www.recycling.portlandmaine.gov) accept household mercury products from any Maine resident. Visit their websites to learn more.

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