Close the lid and seal it with tape. Label it as mercury waste and call your state agency for appropriate disposal. Alternatives to Mercury Thermometers Several types of non-mercury thermometers are available commercially. Digital electronic fever thermometers are readily available at retailers. There are also digital basal thermometers for family planning that can be used instead of mercury basal thermometers.
Alcohol thermometers are currently less easy to find at retailers.
When disposing of mercury thermometers, make sure you dispose of them properly in a household hazardous waste collection.