Mercury Minimization
The City of Beloit is required by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to implement a Mercury Minimization Program.
There are many ways you can reduce exposure to mercury. Here are a few examples:
Mercury in Electronics
Used electronics, often called electronic waste (e-waste), may include TVs and TV accessories; cell phones; computer monitors; computer processors; computer accessories; and more! Most electronics contain heavy metals (such as mercury, cadmium and lead) and chemicals (such as flame-retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs), that can pose risks to the environment and human health if not properly recycled or disposed of.
You can recycle your electronic products at the City of Beloit Recycling Center, which is open to the residents of the City of Beloit, Towns of Beloit, Newark, and Turtle Residents. Check out the website below to find out what items are accepted at the recycling center!
City of Beloit Recycling Center
Mercury in Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs)
A CFL, or Compact Fluorescent Lamp, is a relatively inexpensive bulb designed to replace incandescent bulbs. They typically use a tube which is curved to fit into the space of a regular incandescent. They come in many different shapes and sizes, and similar to old fashioned incandescent bulbs, come in a variety of wattages and styles. CFL’s contain mercury, a metal that is a shiny, silver-white, odorless liquid at room temperature. Help protect human health and the environment at a local level. Participate in local recycling and clean sweep programs.
To find other places locally that recycle CFLs, visit:
Mercury in Old Thermostats
Mercury is an element that has many uses throughout time. In the past, HVAC manufacturers used mercury in thermostats to control heating and air conditioning units in homes and buildings. Today, mercury thermostats are no longer produced. Anyone replacing a mercury containing thermostat must properly dispose of the unit. Check out the website below to find a local mercury thermostat disposal location. You can also ask your local HVAC wholesalers and contractors to see if they collect and recycle mercury products. Please help do your part to keep mercury out of the waterways!
Mercury Thermostat Disposal Locations
Mercury in Antiques
Did you know that there are some commercial products that contain mercury? Some antiques such as barometers, clock pendulums, mirrors, vases, and organs could contain mercury. If you suspect that the antique contains mercury, be sure to inspect each item thoroughly for cracks or leaks. Especially handle the item with care when moving to prevent the mercury from spilling! If there is a spill, please contact your local authorities.
Other Products Containing Mercury
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provides a list of some mercury containing products and mercury-free alternatives. You can check out these alternatives following the link below:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Mercury/Overview.html
For information on mercury minimization and brochures- go to the Document Center and click on Utilities followed by Environmental.
DNR Mercury A Link to the DNR's mercury website