Commonly Recycled Mercury Devices
This list is not exhaustive —items with similar characteristics may also be accepted. For questions about specific items, please contact our customer support team at 888.657.5267.
HG-DEV
Hg thermostats, thermometers, manometers, barometers
HG-SW
Hg switches
Protecting the Environment from Hidden Hazards
Wall-mounted mercury thermostats, thermometers, and switches are among the most common everyday items contributing to mercury in the solid waste stream. NLR uses advanced technology and proven processes to safely manage the storage, transport, and recovery of these mercury-containing devices.
Common Sources of Liquid Mercury:
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Thermostats
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Thermometers
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Barometers
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Manometers
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Mercury Switches & Relays
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Medical Equipment
Includes thermostats, thermometers, mercury switches, relays, and select medical equipment. These devices must be stored in sealed poly/plastic drums. Leaking or broken devices are considered hazardous materials and require special handling. Loose liquid mercury is not accepted in non-compliant containers.
Safe Recycling for Mercury-Containing Devices
By going the extra mile, we ensure our recycling efforts stay aligned with our mission: protecting people and the planet from mercury contamination.
Recycling captures and reuses mercury in new products, reducing the need for mining.
Mercury devices like thermostats and thermometers can release toxic vapor—recycling keeps mercury safely contained.
One mercury thermostat can contain up to 3 grams of mercury—enough to contaminate a small lake.
Mercury never breaks down in nature—recycling prevents it from cycling through air, water, and wildlife.
