Knox County Mayor's Office
Contact: Kevin Levy Posted on 4-16-2010
865-215-5644 (w)267-250-7532 (h)
Mercury Collection at Knox County Convenience Centers
Beginning Thursday, April 22nd, Knox County residents will have a new option for disposing small quantities of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and mercury-containing devices at all eight Knox County Convenience Centers.
CFLs and mercury-containing thermometers and thermostats must be separated from normal garbage and brought directly to the center operators at each location. These items will be accepted from Knox County residents, including those who live in Knoxville city limits, at no additional charge. Mercury thermometers can be exchanged for a free digital thermometer, limited to one per household.
Until now, Knox County residents had to take these items to the Household Hazardous Waste Center, located at 1033 Elm Street, because mercury poses a significant health risk to humans and the environment. Known risks include severe damage to the kidneys, brain and nervous system in humans, and has been linked to reproductive complications and death among other animals. This new service offers a responsible option for disposing of mercury in our community and “will make it easier for residents to properly dispose of otherwise hazardous household waste,” said Tom Salter, Knox County solid waste director.
Certain mercury-containing items, such as long fluorescent tubes, and large amounts of mercury-containing items will still need to be taken to the Household Hazardous Waste Center during normal operating hours. Knox County will NOT accept broken mercury-containing items or any material from private businesses or organizations. Items need to be protected from breaking and mercury switches should NOT be removed from thermostats. The whole thermostat should be brought to the center intact.
The Knox County Solid Waste Department serves approximately 10,000 to 12,000 vehicles each day at its eight convenience centers. Services offered to residents include several recycling options (which generate revenue for the county), automotive fluid/filter collection, scrap metal recycling, bulky item containers and trash disposal.
For more information, please contact the Knox County Solid Waste Department at 865-215-5865 or visit www.knoxrecycles.org
