where can i sell or dispose of liquid mercury?

Question

I have about two ounces of liquid mercury in sealed glass that I've had since my husband died and would like to be able to sell it if possible, otherwise where would one dispose of such a thing?

Answer 1

For disposal: Visit www.Earth911.org and type in your zip code in the search box on the upper left hand corner. On the next page, click on the "Household Hazardous Waste" link on the upper left hand corner. Once you get to that page, scroll down and under "Household Hazardous Waste" look for "Mercury Containing Items." Click on that link and it will take you where you need to go.

Couldn't find a way for you to sell it. Sorry.

Here's some extra info from the Environmental Protection Agency:

"If you have elemental mercury in your home, you need to exercise extreme caution with it and package it to prevent any leaks or spills. See the next two sections to find how to package, transport and dispose of mercury.

Packaging Mercury for Storage and Transportation

*All mercury-containing products or containers of mercury should be placed inside a larger container with a tight fitting lid.
*Kitty litter or oil-absorbent matter should be placed around the product to protect it from breaking or sudden shocks.
*Clearly label storage container as "Mercury - DO NOT OPEN."
*If you must wait for a hazardous waste collection day, store products safely in their original containers with the labels intact, and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
*Transport container to a household hazardous collection center in a cardboard box. Secure them so that they do not tip over. This will minimize shifting or sliding during sudden stops or turns.
*Transport containers in the back of a pick-up truck or in a car trunk. If you must transport in the passenger compartment, make sure there is adequate ventilation.

Disposal

Many states and local agencies have developed collection/exchange programs for mercury-containing devices, such as thermometers, manometers, thermostats, and fluorescent light bulbs. Some counties and cities also have household hazardous waste collection programs. For information about these programs, contact your local officials to find out when and where a collection will be held in your area. In addition, you can go to Earth911, enter your zip code in the upper left, then click on "household hazardous waste" in the left column. Select "mercury containing items" from the Household Hazardous Waste list and find the closest collection opportunity.

Households are generally exempt from Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) regulations that govern the transportation, storage and disposal of hazardous wastes that contain mercury, but small and large businesses and industries are not exempt. Their mercury wastes are governed under EPA’s Land Disposal Restrictions (LDR) Program. EPA has designated some widely generated hazardous wastes, including certain spent batteries, pesticides, mercury-containing equipment and light bulbs, as "universal wastes". The regulations that govern universal wastes include special management provisions intended to facilitate the recycling of such materials.

Note that some states and local jurisdictions have elected to pass regulations that are more stringent than the federal hazardous waste regulations. Several states and municipalities do not recognize the exemption for households; others regulate all fluorescent lamps as hazardous, regardless of their mercury content. For example, Vermont bans all mercury-containing waste from landfills, including mercury-containing waste generated by households. For more information specific to your state, contact your state or local environmental regulatory agency."

Answer 2

It is not worth anything to sell. Contact your local Cooperative Extension for directions on hazardous material disposal in your area.

Another idea is to contact the chemistry labs at a local college.

Answer 3

I really believe that it is illegal to sell liquid mercury..

it has to be disposed of as a biohazard..

you really should call your local hazmat crew to get rid of it..

( the firedepartment in your area can help you out with this )

Answer 4

I'm sure it's legal to sell. How else do research labs obtain samples of it? Contact a local research oriented university's chemistry department to see if they want it. Better for it to go to good use rather than going in some biohazard waste dump.

Answer 5

Well you're kind of in a fix since it can't legally even be transported without a permit.

Answer 6

You can't sell it. It is a hazardous material. Take it to your local fire department and they will dispose of it for you.

Answer 7

you can sell just about everything on ebay. i'd check into the laws regarding its sale, but seeing as it's in many thermometers which are glass, i think you can probably sell it.

Answer 8

Ask a Chemist.

Answer 9

Don't Drink It!

Answer 10

contact your local fire department.