Prairieland Compost Facility

Mercury is a naturally occurring metal, which is present at very low levels in bedrock, soil and water throughout Minnesota. Mercury causes a variety of health effects, particularly for young children, including nervous system damage, liver damage, kidney damage, muscle tremors, impaired coordination and mental disturbances.

Minnesota state law makes it illegal for anyone to put mercury or mercury-containing products in the trash. Mercury is being phased out of many retail products sold in Minnesota. As a consumer, educate yourself; do not purchase mercury-containing items if a substitute is available. When you own a product containing mercury and disposal is needed, be sure to take the responsibility for proper disposal by taking the waste product to a household hazardous waste collection in Martin and Faribault counties. These collections are held regularly during the summer months. the products listed below may contain mercury. Please remember the need proper management. Products containing mercury pose great health risks to humans and wildlife if mixed with other garbage. In Martin and Faribault counties all of the garbage is taken to the Prairieland Compost Facility and processed into Municipal Solid Waste Compost. Some of this compost is used as a soil amendment in fields or bedding for cattle and then land applied. We need to avoid allowing the mercury to escape into the environment by keeping it out of our garbage!!

Products Containing Mercury:

	Thermometers with silver bulb at end
	Old latex paints
	Some oil-based paints
	Dental amalgam
	Chemistry sets / older toys/ games
	Nickel-cadmium rechargeable batteries
	Lead-acid automotive batteries
	Button / coin batteries
	Thermostats, switches
	Contact lens solution
	High-intensity discharge lamps
	Fluorescent lights

Lead is a toxic metal that, in sufficient quantities, has adverse effects on the nervous and reproductive systems of mammals and birds. Found in most fishing jigs and sinkers, this metal is poisoning wildlife such as looks and eagles.

Like mercury, Minnesota state law makes it illegal for anyone to put lead or lead-containing products in the trash. It is important to recognize which products, within your home, may contain lead. If these products are not wanted, they should be sorted from your household garbage and taken to a Martin or Faribault County household hazardous waste collection, during the months of May through September. Products such as batteries, many containing both mercury and lead can to taken to a county battery recycling drop-site. They are also accepted at household hazardous waste collections.

When lead is present in compost that is spread on the land, birds and mammals are exposed to this metal. We need to get the lead out of the garbage!!

Products Containing Lead:

	Lead acid batteries
	Wine bottle closures
	Some fish nets and sinkers
	Light bulb bases and glass
	Brass
	Plastic wire insulation
	Some aerosol paints
	Glazed enamel labels
	Ceramic glass
	Rechargeable batteries

Harmful Effects of Lead:

	Damage to brain and nervous system
	Behavior and learning problems
	Slowed growth
	Difficulties during pregnancy
	High blood pressure
	digestive problems
	Nerve disorders
	Memory and concentration problems
	Muscle and joint pain
	Hearing problems
	Headaches

Prairieland Solid Waste Coordinator - Billeye Rabbe (507) 238-3115
201 Lake Avenue, Room 102, Fairmont, Minnesota 56031
Email - billeye@frontiernet.net