Mercury Thermometers & Thermostats
Hazardous materialMercury glass thermometers and old wall-mounted mercury thermostats both contain liquid mercury and should never go in the trash or be broken. The Thermostat Recycling Corporation runs a free, industry-funded take-back network for mercury thermostats through participating HVAC wholesalers; thermometers generally need a household hazardous waste facility.
Curbside recycling?
No
Never place a mercury thermometer or thermostat in curbside trash or recycling, a broken one releases mercury vapor.
Safety note
Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. If a thermometer breaks, don't vacuum or sweep it, ventilate the room, and follow EPA's mercury spill cleanup guidance rather than handling it directly.
How to prepare it
- Keep an intact mercury thermometer in a sealed container to transport it, don't let it roll around loose
- For a thermostat, turn off power at the breaker before removing it, and keep the mercury switch bulb intact and upright
- Never put a mercury item in the trash, recycling bin, or down a drain
Common fees
Free at participating Thermostat Recycling Corporation collection sites (HVAC wholesalers). Thermometer disposal fees vary by local household hazardous waste facility.
Quantity limits
Not confirmed
Residency restrictions
Not confirmed
Appointment required?
Not confirmed
Transporting it safely
Transport upright and secured so the mercury-containing bulb or switch doesn't break in transit.
Verified nearby locations
11500 S. Post Oak Rd., Houston, TX
- Hours
- Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Fees
- Not confirmed
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Houston residents. Recycling-only visits require a current Texas-issued ID; hazardous waste or bulk drop-off requires a Texas ID plus a current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement with a matching address.
Last verified 2026-08-17Official source ↗5614 Neches St., Houston, TX
- Hours
- Second Thursday of each month, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
- Fees
- Not confirmed
- Appointment
- Not required
- Residency
- City of Houston residents. Recycling-only visits require a current Texas-issued ID; hazardous waste or bulk drop-off requires a Texas ID plus a current City of Houston utility bill or lease agreement with a matching address.
Last verified 2026-08-17Official source ↗
Frequently asked questions
- Where can I recycle mercury thermometers & thermostats?
- Mercury glass thermometers and old wall-mounted mercury thermostats both contain liquid mercury and should never go in the trash or be broken. The Thermostat Recycling Corporation runs a free, industry-funded take-back network for mercury thermostats through participating HVAC wholesalers; thermometers generally need a household hazardous waste facility.
- Can mercury thermometers & thermostats go in curbside recycling?
- Never place a mercury thermometer or thermostat in curbside trash or recycling, a broken one releases mercury vapor.
- Is there a safety concern with mercury thermometers & thermostats?
- Mercury is a toxic heavy metal. If a thermometer breaks, don't vacuum or sweep it, ventilate the room, and follow EPA's mercury spill cleanup guidance rather than handling it directly.
Sources
Programs, hours, fees, eligibility, and accepted materials can change. Confirm details with the facility before traveling.
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