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Environmental Health and Safety

Mercury-Containing Equipment

Federal definition: “Mercury-containing equipment” means a device or part of a device (including thermostats) that contains elemental mercury integral to its function. 

Mercury devices: Items like thermostats, barometers, manometers that contain elemental mercury. Universal Waste US EPA website.

  • Management: Like lamps, stored in closed containers, labeled, dated, and stored ≤ 1 year; training and shipping rules apply. 

Label: Label must include the following:

  • “Universal Waste – Mercury-Containing Equipment”, “Universal Waste – Contains Mercury”
  • The date of the first mercury containing equipment is added 

Storage: 

  • Use sealed, leak-proof containers lined with absorbent material.
  • Store upright and secure to prevent breakage or spillage.
  • Label with accumulation start date.

What NOT to do: 

Do not handle broken or leaking mercury devices without protective equipment. 

  • Mercury exposure can be harmful to health and the environment. 

Do not store mercury equipment in open or unsealed containers. 

  • Mercury vapors can escape and contaminate indoor air. 

Do not ignore broken glass or signs of damage. 

  • Even small cracks can release mercury. Devices should be stored upright and padded to prevent breakage. 

Do not remove mercury components yourself unless trained. 

  • Improper removal can release mercury and violate regulations. 

Do not delay labeling or dating the storage container. 

  • Mercury-containing equipment must be labeled and dated just like other universal wastes.

Spill response/DDR   

  • Evacuate and Ventilate
  • Leave the area for 15+ minutes.
  • Close off the room and open windows.
  • Do not vacuum or sweep.
  • Contact Environmental Health & Safety (EHS)  

How employees handle waste: 

  • Once identified, mercury-containing devices are carefully collected and moved to the EHS-managed mercury collection site.
  • Devices are weighed and stored in steel, air-sealed containers to prevent vapor release.
  • Containers are kept closed and secured to minimize breakage or leakage.
  • As the container nears capacity or the storage deadline approaches, a shipment is scheduled with an EPA-approved hazardous waste handler. 

Storage & Labeling Requirements (EPA): 

  • Containers must be labeled as "Universal Waste Mercury-Containing Equipment" and dated with the start of accumulation.
  • Storage is limited to 1 year unless an extension is justified for recycling/disposal. 

Who to contact for any questions: 

For any questions regarding universal waste, contact the Environmental Health and Safety department at (309) 438-8325. For any emergencies, call 911.