Where can I recycle mercury-containig items?

Question

I don't know of any local place to dispose of mercury-containig items, such as old batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs. Is there any place where I can mail them for their disposal?

Answer 1

If you have an IKEA store in your area, they have recycle containers for old batteries as well as the old style light bulbs and the new compact fluorescents.  

I have been lobbying the Home Depot and Canadian Tire head offices here in Toronto to have similar bins, but they never return my calls or emails.  So, since IKEA has mercury-free batteries and compact fluorescent bulbs, they are getting my business.

Answer 2

Try the local county or city government offices, specifically the department of environmental affairs or the solid waste department, typically the department of transportation.

Batteries and light tubes are considered a universal waste under EPA guidelines and need to be managed by entities like private businesses. Depends on your state and how they manage these waste streams. You could go to the local landfill, tell them what you have and they should take for you as it is illegal to dispose to landfills.