Intact Mercury Containing Devices

Back to Types of Waste Disposals At SFSU

Intact mercury-containing devices include instruments or equipment that contain elemental
mercury sealed within glass or metal components. These devices are commonly used in
scientific, medical, and HVAC applications. Even when intact, they are considered Universal
Waste due to the toxic nature of mercury and must be handled carefully to prevent breakage,
spills, or vapor release

Characteristics of Mercury Devices:

  • Contain liquid elemental mercury, often visible in a sealed chamber.
  • Can release toxic vapor if broken.
  • Require cool, stable storage and careful handling.
  • Regulated under federal and California Universal Waste rule

Intact Mercury Containing Devices Information

  • Mercury thermometers (laboratory, HVAC, environmental monitoring).
  • Mercury switches (found in some thermostats, relays, float switches).
  • Mercury barometers and manometers.
  • Older mercury-containing medical devices.
  • Mercury-sealed tilt switches or sensors.

Environmental Health & Safety:

Dipak Janda (Dk) Email: Dipakjanda@sfsu.edu

Telephone: (415)-542-8046

  • May be accumulated for up to 1 year from the date of first accumulation.
  • Accumulation start date must be clearly written on the container.
  • Devices should be transferred to the Universal Waste area before the 1-year limit

Who Removes the Waste:
Trained Facilities or EH&S personnel handle the transfer of HID lamps from work areas to central storage.

Where It Is Taken:
All HID lamps are taken to the Universal Waste storage area at the SFSU hazardous waste facility for secure staging and inventory prior to disposal

  • Devices are picked up for disposal quarterly or as needed based on volume and risk.
  • Immediate response is provided for any devices that are cracked, leaking, or broken
  • Managed by a licensed Universal Waste or hazardous waste transporter.
  • Mercury is recovered and recycled at an approved facility.
  • Non-mercury components (glass, metal) are recycled or disposed of according to state and federal regulations.
  • All processes follow EPA (40 CFR 273) and California Title 22 Universal Waste management requirements.

 

Contact Information

For further information about  Intact Mercury Management Program at SFSU or how you can get involved, please contact:

Environmental Compliance Specialist

Dipak Janda (Dk)