Archived News Release from 2003

For Immediate Release

Redwood City Offering Mercury Thermometer Exchange

Redwood City, CA - September 10, 2002 - Most people have used the typical mercury-filled thermometer in their home. They may not know, however, that mercury is a highly toxic substance that has been identified as a major source of environmental pollution. In conjunction with the San Mateo County and the City/County Association of Governments, Redwood City will begin distributing free, non-mercury thermometers to people who recycle their old mercury thermometers (even if broken). Thermometers will be disposed of through the San Mateo County Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Program.

To recycle an old mercury thermometer, members of the public should bring them to the Public Works Services Building at 1400 Broadway (corner of Broadway and Woodside Road), on Saturday, September 20 from 8 am until 1 pm. If the thermometer is broken it should be transported in a sealed jar or bottle. New thermometers will be distributed while supplies last. After September 20, residents can still arrange to safely dispose of their old mercury thermometers by calling the County’s HHW Information Line at (650) 363-4718 to schedule an appointment for the next collection day.

The City of Redwood City is one of eight peninsula cities participating with San Mateo County in this mercury thermometer exchange program. California’s Mercury Reduction Act of 2001 contains provisions to focus efforts on reducing the amount of mercury released into the environment. This exchange program is one way to remove the potential for this toxic material to enter the environment.

Redwood City residents can do more to help prevent mercury contamination of the environment. First and foremost, never pour it down drains, put it in the trash, or burn it. Be sure to know which products contain mercury when shopping for a thermometer or other household hardware, and avoid buying products that contain mercury whenever non-mercury substitutes are available. Mercury-containing products can be recycled through the Household Hazardous Waste collections in your area (call the County appointment line at 650-363-4718 or visit the County website at www.smhealth.org/environ/toxic/hhw.html).

Visit Redwood City’s website at www.redwoodcity.org for information about the City and its services, the community, recreation programs, education, City government, and local business.

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Contact:
Marilyn Harang
Public Works Superintendent
(650) 780-7464