Missouri Department of Natural Resources sponsoring local mercury drop-off stations

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is sponsoring nearly 50 mercury drop-off locations throughout the state in an effort to rid homes of mercury. The mercury roundup will end May 31.

Local drop-off sites are the Cape Girardeau County Health Department, the Scott County Health Department and the Perry County Health Department, according to a department news release.

The Cape Girardeau and Perry County health departments are open 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. The Scott County Health Department is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Residents and not-for-profit agencies can leave mercury-containing instruments such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs, thermostats or switches. The items should be placed in two zip-top plastic bags and then placed in a crush-proof sealed container, such as a coffee can, plastic tub or plastic beverage bottle. The program does not include compact fluorescent bulbs.

Residents with large quantities of mercury or who feel uncomfortable transporting the instruments can call the department's spill line at 573-634-2436 to schedule a pickup.

After May 31, the department staff will collect the items for consolidation and transport them to Jefferson City, Mo., where they will be recycled or properly disposed of.

For more information, visit www.dnr.mo.gov/env/esp or call 573-634-2436.

Pertinent address:

1121 Linden St., Cape Girardeau, MO

102 Grove Estates Court, Sikeston, MO

406 N. Spring St., Perryville, MO