Submitted by Gretchen Carey, Bedford’s Recycling Coordinator
In the modern home, there are many conveniences which must be handled with the proper care because they are dangerous: gas stoves, glass windows, and household cleaners, to name a few. Now, add to that listitems that contain mercury: thermometers, thermostats, and fluorescent light bulbs. As more people switch to these fluorescent bulbs because of their excellent energy and money saving qualities, it is important that everyone knows how to dispose of them safely. Encouraging proper handling of these items has been the latest focus of the Bedford Department of Public Works.
Mercury is a heavy metal, and toxic to humans and animals. It should not be touched or inhaled. It has damaging effects on the lungs, kidneys and brain, and can cause neurological problems with unborn babies. Items like fluorescent bulbs are common, but many people don’t know that when they break (as when thrown into a trash can) mercury vapor is emitted, and can be inhaled by anyone in the area. Thus, the town of Bedford would like to encourage all residents to collect and carefully transport their fluorescent bulbs of all shapes and sizes to the DPW building at 314 Great Road, where there is a collection area on the first floor. There is a specific place for long fluorescent tubes, Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL), which are commonly referred to as “curly bulbs” and the last category, elemental mercury.
Elemental mercury is in liquid form, and found in old-style thermometers (with the silver line), older thermostats that control home heating (new ones are digital), and in older medical devices, like those used to take blood pressure. It is best to replace these items with modern ones, before there is an accident. However, if any of these items were to break in your home, you should take precautions and clean it up immediately. Do not touch the mercury with your bare hands, as it can be absorbed by the skin. Wear gloves. You should scoop up the mercury drops with a dustpan and brush, or piece of paper, and put them into a plastic container.If the spill occurs on hard flooring, press duct tape around the area to pick up very small balls of mercury. If it happens on a carpet or fabric, that area must be disposed of with the other mercury waste for everyone’s safety. Keep pets and children out of the area, and close off doors to that room, while opening the windows. This will ventilate the contaminated area while keeping the mercury vapor out of other rooms. Bring the container and all contaminated materials in to the collection area, where you will find a screw-top bucket that can safely hold them until it is disposed of properly by the DPW. A full description of mercury clean up in the home can be found here:https://www.epa.gov/hg/spills/#thermometer
Handling mercury safely is a public concern: we share the air we breathe, and the water we drink. Without proper knowledge or concern, residents may inadvertently contaminate both. We ask you to wisely dispose of your mercury items, and share this information with your friends and relatives. We have made it easy- bring your mercury waste to the DPW! If you have any questions, we would be happy to answer them at 781 275 7605.
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