Clean Up and Disposal
When mercury spills, it must be cleaned up quickly and completely to minimize exposure to toxic mercury vapors. Mercury's toxicity, persistence and widespread use make proper disposal and recycling essential. When mercury spills, don't spread it. NEVER use a vacuum cleaner, mop or broom to clean it up. Don’t walking through the spilled area. Take children and pets to another room. Leave all items (clothing, footwear, etc.) that came into contact with spilled mercury in the affected room and if possible, close the door to keep the vapor from spreading.
Read more about Cleaning Up a Small Mercury Spill.
If the amount of mercury spilled is more than the size of a green pea, you may need to ask a trained professional about cleanup options. If a mercury spill occurs, call the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Spills Hotline at: (800) 457-7362 and refer to their mercury webpage.
- Watch out for Mercury: Get help if it spills
This handout provides information on how to identify mercury spills in household items and what to do if mercury spills.
- Handling Broken Fluorescent Lamps Containing Mercury
This fact sheet on mercury in fluorescent lamps, including compact fluorescent lamps, provides information on cleanup and disposal of a broken fluorescent lamp.
- Mercury Quick Facts: Cleaning Up Mercury Spills in Your House, Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry
This federal agency has numerous resources on mercury, including step-by-step clean-up instructions for a mercury spill.
