News Release 023

Department sponsoring mercury drop off sites in southwest Missouri

Homeowners, Nonprofit Agencies Targeted

Volume 37-023 (For Immediate Release)
Contact: Larry Archer
573-751-3807

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JAN. 30, 2009 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a month-long effort in February to rid homes of mercury, with nearly 90 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including 23 in southwest Missouri.

The department, working with fire departments and county health offices throughout the state, is providing mercury drop off buckets in communities statewide. Any private citizen or nonprofit agency can leave mercury-containing instruments, like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches, at any of these sites.

The program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of CFLs is available on the department's website: http://www.dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf.

The department is asking that anyone seeking to dispose of items at these sites first secure the item in two zip top bags and then placed in a sealed container (such as a coffee can or plastic margarine tub). The extra packaging is required to prevent the release of mercury if the item breaks while being transported.

The list of drop off sites in southwest Missouri is included below. Please call the site before taking mercury instruments for disposal, and never leave items if the facility is closed.

The Department of Natural Resources will collect the dropped off items at the end of February and transport them to Jefferson City. They will be picked up by a state contractor, who will recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest.

Anyone who is uncomfortable with transporting mercury instruments, or who has large quantities of mercury, can contact the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to arrange to have items picked up.

A total of 23 facilities in southwest Missouri are participating in the mercury drop off program. Unless otherwise noted, their office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday:

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