News Releases - 2000

Illinois EPA Announces Mercury Collection in Chicago Area

Springfield, Ill. — Illinois EPA Director Tom Skinner today announced that arrangements have been completed to allow citizens in Cook, Lake, DuPage, Will and Kane Counties to take elemental mercury and mercury containing products to a “mercury only” collection sites throughout the area.

“It’s essential that people feel safe in their homes,” said Director Skinner. “We’ve set up multiple sites so that anyone who is concerned about having mercury in any form around their family can get rid of it safely and conveniently.”

Beginning tomorrow, November 14, and running through December 17, 2000, citizens of these areas can call 1-800/635-2380, and find a collection site in their area. Mercury will be collected at City of Chicago locations Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Collections at suburban locations will be Tuesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until noon.

“With the concern resulting from the investigations of mercury spills, we have been getting numerous inquires from citizens who have containers of mercury and mercury containing products in their homes,” Skinner stated. “We needed to find a way for the public to rid their homes of this hazardous substance.”

Suburban Fire Chiefs and the City of Chicago Department of Environment are providing properly trained personnel to collect the mercury and ensure that it is handled in an environmentally safe manner until the Illinois EPA contractor picks it up for proper handling.

Mercury became a significant health concern in the area when evidence of contamination was discovered from improperly handled gas regulators in thousands of area homes. Citizens are urged to take this opportunity to rid their homes of mercury. If you have mercury in your home, make sure it is an airtight, leak-proof container until it can be taken to the collection. Make sure the container does not tip during transport and make sure the vehicle has adequate ventilation.

The plan for mercury only collections was developed when containers of mercury were found near dumpsters. In one instance, it had been spilled, then tracked throughout a residential area. Skinner emphasized that mercury should not be placed in trash bins or dumpsters or poured down the drain.

“If you have mercury in your home. Do not open the original container; place it in a larger sealed container, label it “Do not open — mercury’ and store it in a secure place until it can be safely taken to a collection site,” Skinner noted.

If mercury is spilled in your home, contact the Illinois Department of Public Health immediately for proper cleanup procedures. Never use a vacuum cleaner to clean up mercury. It will spread mercury vapors and increase the area of contamination.

Related Information

• Handling Options for Mercury-Containing Products in the Home