Can I recycle it?
Mercury is a highly toxic substance and any items containing it must be handled with care. Thermometers, barometers and the like are now made with non-toxic materials but you should not assume this is the case with your item.
Do not place in your recycling or household rubbish.
It is important that you do not attempt to break, or separate, the mercury phial or container tube from other components.
There are chemical storage containers at every HWRC (except the one at Dudnance Lane, Pool) where you can deposit them safely. Simply take the whole item there and the staff will assist you.
Useful information
Household Waste and Recycling Centres (HWRC)
View our Household Waste Recycling Centres to find
- location maps
- opening times
- materials accepted
You can also find your nearest centre by entering your postcode on our my area page.
For safety reasons, no public pedestrian access is allowed through the entrance or exit gates at any of our household waste recycling centres.
Only waste from households in Cornwall can be taken to these sites. Commercial waste is not accepted at any recycling centre.