Mercury Thermometer Replacement Program

Mercury thermometers are the single most common hazardous material emergency response incident on campus. If we could eliminate all mercury thermometers, we could decrease haz mat emergencies by 90 percent. In order to expedite the elimination of nonessential mercury thermometers from campus, we have instituted a trade-in policy. We will provide an environmentally safe thermometer for every unbroken thermometer that we are given.

The mercury in thermometers is recyclable for many other purposes. All mercury thermometers received through the trade-in program are sent off-site to be crushed and the mercury retorted. The glass is also recycled.