In June 2004, the Holland Board of Public Works became aware of a program through the state Association of Local Public Health Departments that made digital thermometers available for a very low cost to entities willing to set up an “exchange.” The target audience (i.e., in this case, utility customers) bring in mercury thermometers they have at home, and receive a digital thermometer in exchange, along with educational literature about the dangers of mercury, common household items that might contain mercury and how to properly dispose of the items.
The Holland Board of Public Works purchased 1000 digital thermometers from the state Public Health Department, obtained brochures from the national Health Care Without Harm organization and developed their own “fact sheet” for local relevance. A mercury fever thermometer exchange was held during a National Night Out event held at a local park on August 2, 2004. Results from that event were very encouraging: over 8 pounds of mercury were collected, represented by 149 fever thermometers, 14 lab thermometers, 13 thermostats, and 1 jar of free-flowing mercury.
The exchange continued and was promoted via the distribution of a news release, a television interview, and the running of a news announcement on local cable television. Residents were able to trade thermometers during working hours at the HBPW’s Customer Service Department. This program is still ongoing.
Starting in January 2005, the utility began offering the exchange to local businesses. Holland Board of Public Works' staff go to a company’s site, set up a table in a high traffic flow area, and exchange thermometers during a lunch break or shift change. Area churches have also been invited to participate, via a local Parish Nurse Network. Thirty-three such exchanges, representing over 15,000 employees and church members, have been held to date.
Over 72 pounds of mercury have been collected so far, represented by:
• 1243 fever thermometers
• 104 lab thermometers
• 49 thermostats
• 61 mercoid switches or containers of free-flowing mercury
The Holland Board of Public Works has given away 994 digital thermometers, and over 900 brochures.
The program has had great reception! The amount of mercury removed from household environments is certainly measurable. The awareness raised about the environment and personal responsibility is much harder to quantify, but equally important. A program such as this may also provide a state-acceptable alternative for small coal-fired utilities unable to reduce mercury air emissions by installing mercury controls.