Media Release

February 9, 2006

Media Contacts:

Rosann Doran

Public Information Officer

Get rid of mercury thermometers at HHS

 Broomfield’s Health and Human Services Department (HHS) is partnering with Tri County Health Department and the state to collect household mercury thermometers from now through July.    

Residents can bring mercury thermometers to the Public Health Division at 6 Garden Center.  Thermometers must either be in the original protective case or inside an empty plastic water or soft drink bottle to prevent breakage. If a mercury thermometer breaks, the droplets are very difficult to clean up and dangerous levels of mercury vapor may be inhaled. 

Not all thermometers contain Mercury.  Mercury thermometers have silver- or gray-colored liquid. Thermometers with red liquid contain alcohol or mineral spirits. They are a much better alternative to mercury thermometers and are not hazardous. Most grocery stores and pharmacies carry the red-colored non-mercury thermometers as well as digital thermometers.   

Only mercury thermometers will be accepted.  

Mercury can also be found in thermostats, switches, gauges, mercury vapor lights, hearing aid and watch batteries, and children’s shoes with flashers in the soles. These items cannot be accepted as part of this recycling program. They are not an immediate hazard, but consumers should be aware that they do contain mercury and dispose of them properly through a local household hazardous waste program.