MDNR to sponsor mercury drop-off sites | Health

(KFVS) - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is launching a statewide roundup to rid homes of mercury by sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state, including nine in Southeast Missouri.

The department says they are working with fire department and county health offices throughout the state to provide drop-off locations where private citizens or nonprofit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments like thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches.

According to the department, if you would like to drop off these items at a site, you should first secure the item in two zip-top plastic bags and then place it in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic butter bowl or plastic beverage bottle.

A person 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 a pick-up.

The list of drop off sites in Southeast Missouri includes:

• Cape Girardeau Health Department - 1121 Linden St., 573-335-7846 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Dent County Health Department - 601 S. MacArthur, Salem, 573-729-3106 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• West Plains Fire Department - 302 Jackie D. Garrett Drive, 417-256-2424 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Perry County Health Department - 406 N. Spring St., Perryville, 573-547-6564 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• St. Francois County Health Department - 1025 W. Main, Park Hills, 573-431-1947 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources' Southeast Regional Office - 2155 N. Westwood, Poplar Bluff, 573-840-9750 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Scott County Health Department - 102 Grove Estates Court, Sikeston, 573-471-4044 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Dunklin County Health Department - 410 Teaco Road, Kennett, 573-889-9008 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
• Texas County Health Department - 950 N. Highway 63, Houston, 417-967-4131 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday
• Ste. Genevieve County Health Department - 115 Basier Drive, Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-7411 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The department says this compact does not include compact fluorescent bulbs, or CFLs. A fact sheet explaining the proper disposal of CFLs is available on their website by clicking here.

The mercury roundup will end May 31. Department staff will then collect the dropped off items for consolidations and transport them to Jefferson City to recycle what can be recycled and properly dispose of the rest.

For more information on the mercury roundup, you can contact the nearest participating agency or the department's Environmental Services Program at 573-634-2436. A list of available mercury drop-off sites is available by clicking here.

You can find more information on mercury, including health effects and how to clean up a small mercury spill, is available on the department's website by clicking here.

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