Residents urged to properly dispose of mercury-containing products

Kitsap County Public Works and the WA State departments of Ecology and Health are working together to ask residents to focus on proper mercury removal and disposal while spring-cleaning their homes.

Bulk mercury or household products containing mercury must be properly disposed of at the Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Facility in Port Orchard. Household items that may contain mercury are:

Bulk mercury is a heavy, silvery liquid. In some products the mercury may be contained in a small ampule, which should be left intact. Some products may be labeled with “Hg”, the international symbol for mercury. When a product is labeled “Hg”, think “handle gently”. 

According to the WA State Department of Health, mercury poses a health problem when ingested or inhaled. Exposure to mercury may result in damage to the central nervous system, kidneys, lungs and digestive system. In infants, mercury exposure may be harmful to the developing brain.

To safely transport bulk mercury or mercury-containing products, seal the containers tightly and put them in sealable plastic bags. Keep the items cool and transport them safely to the Kitsap County HHW Collection Facility. Leaking containers should be placed inside another container to prevent vapors or liquid from escaping. Do not break or tape fluorescent lights together. Transport them in their original box if possible.

The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility is located at 5551 SW Imperial Way, in the Olympic View Industrial Park across from the Bremerton National Airport on Highway 3. It is open to residents Thursday through Saturday, from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Businesses with mercury or other hazardous wastes must call The Open Line to make an appointment. For more information, call The Open Line at 360-337-5777, or email Kitsap1@co.kitsap.wa.us.

Additional Information:

• Information on the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Facility

• Information on protecting your family from mercury

• Washington State Department of Health-Mercury Page

Kitsap County Public Works
The Open Line
(360) 337-5777 or (800) 825-4940
Kitsap1@co.kitsap.wa.us