News Release 359
Department of Natural Resources sponsoring mercury drop off sites in southwest Missouri
Volume 38-359 (For Immediate Release)
Contact: Larry Archer
573-751-3807
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 18, 2010 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a summer-long effort Monday to rid homes of mercury, with nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including 11 in southwest Missouri.
The department is working with fire departments and county health offices to provide drop-off buckets in communities statewide. Private citizens or nonprofit agencies can visit these sites and leave mercury-containing instruments, like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches.
The department is asking that anyone seeking to dispose of items at these sites prepare the items for drop off by first securing the item in two zip-top bags and then placing it 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 program, however, does not include compact fluorescent bulbs. A fact sheet detailing the proper disposal of these bulbs is available on the department's website at dnr.mo.gov/pubs/pub2273.pdf.
The Department of Natural Resources will collect the dropped off items after the campaign ends on Oct. 22 and transport them to Jefferson City. A state contractor will then pick up the items and recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the remaining items.
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.
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. Unless otherwise noted, drop-off hours are Monday through Friday:
- Christian County Health Department, 301 E. Brick, Ozark, 417-581-7285. Call for hours.
- Lawrence County Health Department, 105 W. North St., Mt. Vernon, 417-466-2201, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
- Jasper County Health Department, 105 Lincoln, Carthage, 417-358-0481, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed noon – 1 p.m.)
- Newton County Health Department, 812 W. Harmony, Neosho, 417-451-3743, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (closed 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
- Stone County Health Department – North Office, 109 E. Fourth St., Galena, 417-357-8200. Call for hours.
- Stone County Health Department – South Office, 16914 State Highway 13, Branson West, 417-272-0050. Call for hours.
- Taney County Health Department – East Office, 15479 U.S. Highway 160, Forsyth, 417-546-4725. Call for hours.
- Taney County Health Department – West Office, 320 Rinehart Road, Branson, 417-334-4544 ext 247. Call for hours.
- Webster County Health Department, 233 E. Washington, Marshfield, 417-859-2532, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Department of Natural Resources Southwest Regional Office, 2040 W. Woodland, Springfield, 417-891-4300, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
- Computer Recycling Center, 1434 N. National, Springfield, 417-866-2588, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Metallic mercury is liquid at room temperature and has no odor. It was once commonly used in thermometers, barometers, switches and blood-pressure measuring devices.
When spilled, some of the metal will evaporate into the air and can be carried long distances. Mercury is toxic when inhaled. Improper clean up with a vacuum, paintbrush or household cleaner increases exposure by dispersing the mercury into the air.
For more information on the mercury roundup, contact the nearest participating agency or the department’s Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. Additional information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department’s website at http://www.dnr.mo.gov/env/mercury.htm.
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