Maui Mercury Clean Up

On Saturday, May 17, Maui residents can rid their homes of dangerous mercury by bringing mercury fever thermometers and other mercury-containing devices to Baldwin High School and Lahainaluna High School between 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. for safe collection.

Baldwin High School - Building L (located at the back of the school)
(Enter main entrance from Kaahumanu Ave, go around the auditorium and cafeteria, turn right onto service road)

Lahainaluna High School - Administration Building Parking Lot
(Enter parking lot from Lahainaluna Road)

Only items containing mercury will be accepted at these drop-offs. The "Hawaii Mercury Clean-Up" is sponsored in part by the Department of Health, Department of Education, Hawaii Pharmacists Association, and the Hawaii Poison Center, with assistance from the Maui Fire Department and Maui Public Health Nursing.

Turn in your old thermometers during the "Mercury Clean Up" and receive a coupon towards the purchase of new non-mercury thermometer from one of these participating pharmacies: Valley Isle Pharmacy, Longs Drugs, Maui Clinic Pharmacy, IPC Pharmacy, Foodland Medicine Cabinet, Haiku Pharmacy, Kaiser Kihei Pharmacy, Lahaina Pharmacy; Kaiser Lahaina Clinic, Paradise Pharmacy, Kaiser Wailuku Pharmacy, Maui Home Care, Kihei Professional Pharmacy, Star Market Pharmacy; Wailuku Town Pharmacy, and Wailuku Professional Pharmacy.

The mercury clean up is intended to remove mercury from the municipal waste stream and to educate Hawaii residents about the potential hazards posed by this toxic substance. Many common household items contain mercury. When these products are incinerated, land filled or broken; the mercury can pollute the environment. All of these products can - and should - be disposed of properly at household hazardous waste collections or by calling a licensed hazardous waste disposal company.

Exposure to mercury can cause damage to the nervous system, brain, kidneys, liver and the immune system. If you suspect a mercury exposure may have occurred, or for other suspected poisonings, call the Hawaii Poison Center's free 24-Hour hotline. On Oahu call 941-4411 and Neighbor Islands toll-free 1-800-362-3585. To find the hazardous waste collection site nearest you call the Maui County Solid Waste Office at 270-7426.

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For more information, contact

Marlyn Aguilar
Department of Health
Phone: (808) 586-4226
E-mail: maguilar@eha.health.state.us