Mercury-Added Products

January 03, 2025

Mercury-added products are banned from disposal in landfills and incinerators, including:

Button cell batteries.
Compact fluorescent lightbulbs (CFLs).
Fluorescent lamps.
Thermometers (silver ones).
Thermostats.
Tilt switches - these were commonly used in old appliances and vehicles.

Check with your local transfer station to see if they accept mercury-added products. If not, ask about your recycling options.

Your local household hazardous waste (HHW) collection event or permanent facility may accept them.

devices containing mercury including different light bulbs, button batteries, a silver thermometer and a thermostat four, small, black mercury-containing tilt switches

Mercury is a heavy metal that is harmful to humans and wildlife when released into the environment. It bioaccumulates in the food web.

Visit the NHDES Mercury webpage to learn about the impacts of mercury, disposal and recycling, and how to clean up broken devices that contain mercury.

Universal wastes are a subcategory of recycled, hazardous wastes. Read our universal waste blog to learn more!

Questions?

Households and municipalities should contact the NHDES HHW Program via email at hhw@des.nh.gov or by phone at (603) 271-2047. Learn more about hazardous waste.

Visit our Managing My Waste page to learn about other types of household waste.