Until material is delivered to a collection, keep the container stored out of reach of children and away from any potential breakage. The Illinois EPA encourages all homeowners to bring mercury-containing products to a Household Hazardous Waste Collection event. You can also contact your local Solid Waste Management Agency. Local governments often sponsor household hazardous waste collections. Many people have containers of elemental mercury in their homes left over from science projects or other sources.
Elemental mercury is a shiny, silver-gray metal that is liquid at room temperature.
If you have elemental mercury in your home, you need to exercise extreme caution with it and package it to contain any leaks. 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 should be placed around the product to protect it from breaking or sudden shocks. Transport containers to a household hazardous waste collection in cardboard box and secure so that they do not tip over and to minimize shifting or sliding during sudden stops or turns. Transport in the back of a pickup truck or in a car trunk.