The Essex-Windsor Solid Waste Authority wants your mercury.
It is launching a new program to keep the toxic chemical out of the municipal waste stream by encouraging residents in the region to bring their old items containing mercury to the local hazardous waste depot.
So far, five regions are taking part in the program. Aside from Windsor-Essex, the Peel Region, County of Simcoe, Peterborough, and Barrie have launched Mercury Roundup programs. It is expected to expand into six other Ontario municipalities by 2021.
Mercury is a naturally occurring chemical but is extremely dangerous. Exposure to even small amounts can cause serious health problems impacting the nervous, digestive, pulmonary, and immune systems. It can also damage your skin, sight, and kidneys.
Many older items like thermometers, old thermostats, button cell batteries, and fluorescent tube lights can contain mercury, and proper handling and disposal are critical to prevent contamination in the environment. A full list is available at www.mercuryroundup.ca.
If you have items around your home that contain mercury, you are urged to drop it off at no cost at one of three municipal hazardous waste sites in Windsor-Essex. They are on North Service Road East near the E.C. Row Expressway and Central Avenue, Transfer Station number two on County Road 31 in Kingsville, and at the Regional Recycling Depot on County Road 18 in Essex.
