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Mercury Product Collection and Spill Safety

Mercury-containing light bulbs, thermostats, and most other products are banned from our landfill. See below for information on disposal, safety, and collection resources.

Break and Spill Response Guidance and Safety

When mercury is released, it quickly spreads harmful vapors that you can't see or smell.

After a break or small spill, do NOT use a vacuum or a broom. Instead, ventilate the area, isolate it from other rooms, and evacuate it for at least 15 minutes. After at least 15 minutes, clean up the broken pieces and mercury droplets with gloves and stiff paper or cardboard (e.g. playing cards) and wipe the area with a damp paper towel. Place that plus cleaning materials and gloves in a glass jar or double bags and store outside and away from children and pets. Broken and spilled mercury must be taken to hazardous waste collection events, not regular recycling locations.

For Large (over 2 gallons) and Acute Spills: call the 24 hour spills hotline at 800-641-5005

For Small Breaks and Spills, see below

For Collectors: Site Registration and Compliance

Learn more about how to comply with our safety and handling guidelines below and contact Sarah Hobson (802-636-7926; sarah.hobson@vermont.gov) to register as a collector for mercury light bulbs or thermostats.