vvEPA
United States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Solid Waste and
Emergency Response
(OS-305)
EPA530-S-92-013
April 1992
Characterization of
Products Containing
Mercury in Municipal Solid
Waste in the United States,
1970 to 2000
Executive Summary
Printed on paper that contains at least 50 percent recycled fiber.
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CHARACTERIZATION OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING
MERCURY IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE IN THE
UNITED STATES, 1970 TO 2000;
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
April, 1992
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Solid Waste
Municipal and Industrial Solid Waste Division
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter
Page
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
ES-1
MERCURY IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE: OVERVIEW AND SUMMARY 1-1
Health and Environmental Effects of Mercury
Natural and Anthropogenic Releases of Mercury
Overview of This Report
Sources of Mercury in Municipal Solid Waste
Household Batteries
Electric Lighting
Paint Residues
Fever Thermometers
Thermostats
Pigments
Dental Uses
Special Paper Coating
Mercury Electric Light Switches
Film Pack Batteries
Trends in Discards of Mercury in MSW
Discontinued Sources of Mercury in MSW
Mercury in Non-Municipal Solid Waste Products
Limitations of This Report
References
MERCURY IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Background Information
Mercury and its Compounds
Mercury Consumption in Products Sold in the United States
Batteries
Types of Batteries
Discards of Mercury in Batteries in MSW
Projections
Recovery of Batteries
Electric Lighting
Paint Residues
Fever Thermometers
Residential Thermostats
Pigments
Dental Uses
Special Paper Coating
Mercury Electric Light Switches
Instant Camera Film Pack Batteries
Discontinued Uses of Mercury in MSW
References
1-1
1-2
1-3
1-5
1-8
1-10
1-10
1-11
1-11
1-11
1-12
1-12
1-12
1-12
1-12
1-13
1-14
1-15
1-17
2-1
2-1
2-1
2-3
2-4
2-5
2-9
2-10
2-12
2-14
2-16
2-19
2-23
2-25
2-31
2-34
2-35
2-37
2-38
2-41
iii
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Chapter
Page
3 MERCURY IN NON-MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE PRODUCTS
Introduction
Agricultural Products
Paints
Catalysts for Plastics
Chlorine and Caustic Soda Production
Explosives
Laboratory Uses
Pharmaceuticals
Cosmetics
Electrical Apparatus
Discontinued Uses of Mercury in Non-MSW Applications
References ;
Appendix
A MATERIALS FLOW METHODOLOGY
B CONSUMPTION OF MERCURY |
i '
C BACKGROUND DATA ON MERCURY IN BATTERIES
D HOUSEHOLD BATTERIES THAT t>O NOT CONTAIN MERCURY ;
I
E WORLDWIDE ANNUAL ANTHROPOGENIC SOURCES OF MERCURY
F MERCURY ASSESSMENT IN ALKALINE DRY BATTERIES
3-1
3-1
3-1
3-2
3-3
3-3
3-4
3-4
3-4
3-5
3-5
3-6
3-8
A-l
B-l
C-l
D-l
E-l
F-l
LIST OF TABLES
1-1 Discards of Mercury in Products in the Municipal Solid Waste Stream,
1970 to 2000 (In short tons) i
1-2 Discards of Mercury in Products in the Municipal Solid Waste Stream,;
1970 to 2000 (In percent of total discards) i
2-1 Consumption of Mercury in the United States, 1980 and 1989
2-2 Types of Household Batteries ;
2-3 Discards of Mercury in Household Batteries (In short tons)
2-4 Discards of Mercury in Household iBatteries (In percent of total before recovery)
2-5 Discards of Mercury in Electric Lamps
2-6 Estimated Mercury in Discarded Paint Residues
2-7 Discards of Mercury in Thermometers
2-8 Discards of Mercury in Thermostats
2-9 Ratio of CdS:HgS in Cadmium-Meiicury Pigments
2-10 Consumption of Cadmium-MercurylPigments
2-11 Consumption of Mercury in Pigments in Plastics ,
2-12 Discards of Mercury in Pigments
2-13 Discards of Dental Mercury :
2-14 Mercury Discards in Special PaperiCoating
1-5
1-6
2-3
2-6
2-11
2-12
2-16
2-18
2-21
2-24
2-27
2-28
2-29
2-30
2-32
2-34
IV
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Page
2-15 Discards of Mercury in Switches
2-16 Discards of Mercury from Instant Camera Film Pack Batteries
2-17 Consumption of Mercury in Paper Manufacture
2-36
2-38
2-40
LIST OF FIGURES
1-1 Discards of mercury in MSW, 1989 1-7
1-2 Percentage discards of mercury in MSW, 1970 to 2000 1-7
1-3 Discards of mercury in batteries in MSW, 1970 to 2000 1-8
1-4 Discards of mercury in MSW, 1970 to 2000 1-13
1-5 Sources of mercury in combustible and noncombustible MSW products, 1989 1-14
1-6 Sources of mercury in noncombustible products, 1989 1-14
1-7 Sources of mercury in combustible products, 1989 1-15
2-1 Consumption of mercury in the U.S., 1980 and 1989 2-4
2-2 Flow diagram for discards of batteries containing mercury in MSW 2-9
2-3 Discards of mercury in batteries in MSW, 1970 to 2000 2-13
2-4 Discards of mercury in electric lighting in MSW, 1970 to 2000 2-15
2-5 Discards of mercury in paint residues, 1970 to 2000 2-20
2-6 Discards of mercury in thermometers in MSW, 1970 to 2000 2-22
2-7 Discards of mercury in thermostats in MSW, 1970 to 2000 2-25
2-8 Discards of mercury in pigments in MSW, 1970 to 2000 2-29
2-9 Discards of mercury in dental uses in MSW, 1970 to 2000 2-33
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CHARACTERIZATION OF PRODUCTS CONTAINING MERCURY
IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE IN THE UNITED STATES, 1970 TO 2000
Executive Summary
THE PURPOSE AND SCOPE OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report is to identify the products in municipal solid
waste (MSW) that may contain mercury and to quantify, to the extent that
data are available, the mercury present in these products. Since the data are
presented in a time trend (1970 to 1989), the report helps to identify which
products in MSW are making declining contributions of mercury and which
are increasing. The information in this report can thus be used to identify
opportunities for source reduction and removal of mercury from the
municipal solid waste stream.
As in earlier municipal solid waste characterization reports published
by EPA*, the characterization of mercury in MSW relies on a material flows
methodology. By definition in the referenced reports, municipal solid waste is
generated from residential, commercial, and institutional sources. Some
wastes from industrial facilities, such as office waste and packaging, are also
included. MSW as characterized in the referenced reports does not include
other Subtitle D wastes such as municipal sludges, municipal waste
combustion ash, industrial nonhazardous process wastes, small quantity
generator wastes, construction and demolition wastes, agricultural wastes, oil
and gas production wastes, and mining wastes. Subtitle C (hazardous) wastes
also are not included.
HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS OF MERCURY
Human Health Effects
Mercury is a heavy metal with a high toxicity and strong tendency to
bioaccumulate in the food chain. Worldwide,, the major route for entry of
mercury in humans is ingestion of mercury-contaminated food, especially
fish. Long-term exposure, or exposure during developmental stages, to either
organic or inorganic mercury can permanently damage the brain, kidneys,
and fetuses. Short-term exposure to high levels of inorganic or organic
mercury can cause similar health effects, which may be reversible. Pregnant
women, fetuses, and children appear to be at highest risk.
The most recent of these reports is Characterization of Municipal Solid Waste in the United
States: 1990 Update. EPA/530-SW-90-042. June 1990.
ES-1
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Environmental Effects
In addition to potential effects on human health, mercury poisoning
can also affect other living organisms. Mercury is unique among the metals
in that it is consistently biomagnified within the aquatic food chain.
Organisms eating mercury-contaminated fish, such as birds, wild mink, and
otter, have been found to have meircury poisoning. In addition, several
countries have reported poisoning jof birds through ingestion of seeds treated
with mercury compounds, and of predatory animals through ingestion of
contaminated birds. |
MERCURY RELEASES IN PERSPECTIVE
While the products containing mercury in municipal solid waste are
an important source of mercury releases in the environment, they are far
from the only source. Global releases of mercury in the environment are both
natural and anthropogenic (caused by human activity). Relative sources of
mercury are shown in Figure ES-1.
While global releases are nojt well documented, the best estimate
available is that about 12,000 short 'tons of mercury are released annually to
the air, soil, and water through anthropogenic sources. These sources include
combustion of various fuels; mining, smelting, and manufacturing activities;
wastewater; agricultural, animal, and food wastes; urban refuse; combustion
ash, and other human activities. Global natural sources of mercury include
volatilization of gaseous mercury from soils, vegetation, oceans, and other
water bodies. The natural sources are thought to release less mercury overall
than the anthropogenic sources, but natural atmospheric emissions may be
higher than anthropogenic atmospheric emissions.
Figure ES-1. Global and United States sources of annual mercury releases.
Global Anthropogenic
(Humnn) Sources of Hg
Fuel combustion; mining,
smelting, manufacturing:
wasJowator, agricultural,
animal, and food wastes;
uttoan refuse; combustion
ash.
TouJ annual releases
aboul 12,000 short tons;
probably higher than
total natural releases.
Global Natural
Sources of Mercury
Volatiizatton of gaseous
mercury from soils,
vegetation, oceans, and
other water bodies.
Natural atmospheric
emissions probably higher
than anthropogenic
ttmotphertc emissions.
1989 Consumption of Mercury
In the United States
\
I 1,338 short tons |
1989 Discards of Mercury
In Municipal Solid Wast*
In the United States
i
\ 709shorttons |
Note: Heights of columns are for comparative purposes only) Global anthropogenic and natural sources of mercury are not we! documented.
Due to time lag before products in MSW are discarded, mercury in discards may have been consumed several years previously.
ES-2
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;••,-. J" *;V| Chlorine, caustic soda manufacture (non-MS
Figure ES-2. U.S. consumption of marcury, 1989 (in short tons)
Batteries (mostly MSW)
Paintmiktew-oroofing (Residuesare MSW)
Wiring devices, switches (Partly MSW)
Instruments (Partly MSW)
rygyg^l All other uses (Partly MSW)
50
100
150
200
250
300
350
400
450
Discards of mercury in products in municipal solid waste in the United
States are derived from consumption of mercury, with appropriate
adjustments for manufacturing losses, imports and exports of products
containing mercury, and the lifetimes of the relevant products. In 1989, an
estimated 709 short tons of mercury were discarded in the U.S. in municipal
solid waste compared to the 1,338 short tons reported to be consumed in the
U.S. the same year (Figure ES-1). The MSW discards are less than
consumption because mercury is used in several products and processes that
are not discarded as MSW. (The adjustments listed above also partially
account for differences between consumption and discards in any given year.)
There are several uses of mercury in products and processes that are
not classified as MSW discards. The largest use of mercury in the U.S. is in
chlorine and caustic soda manufacture (Figure ES-2); mercury wastes from
these processes are classified as industrial process waste. Another example is
mercury-containing paint that has been applied to indoor or outdoor surfaces.
If the structure is demolished, the waste would be classified as demolition
waste, not MSW. Many batteries, instruments, and electrical devices
containing mercury are used in industrial, communications, transportation,
or military applications that also are not classified as MSW.
SOURCES OF MERCURY IN MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE
Research performed in the preparation of this report identified a
number of sources of mercury in municipal solid waste, with total discards of
mercury in 1989 estimated to be 709 short tons. A summary of the results is
shown in Tables ES-1 and ES-2, and Figure ES-3.
ES-3
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Table ES-1
DISCARDS* OF MERCURY IN PRODUCTS
IN THE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE STREAM, 1970 TO 2000
(In short tons")
Products
Household Batteries
Electric Lighting
Paint Residues
Fever Thermometers
Thermostats
Pigments
Dental Uses
Special Paper Coating
Mercury Light Switches
Film Pack Batteries
TOTAL DISCARDS
1970
310.8
19.1
30.2
12.2
5.3
32.3
9.3
0.1
0.4
2.1
421.8
1980
429.5
24.3
26.7
25.7
7.0
23.0
7.1
1.2
0.4
2.6
547.5
1989
621.2
26.7
18.2
16.3
11.2
10.0
4.0
1.0
0.4
0.0
709.0
2000
98.5
40.9
0.5
16.8
10.3
1.5
2.3
0.0
1.9
0.0
172.7
* Discards before recovery. ;
* * Weights in this report are converted to short tons of 2000 pounds.
Source: Franklin Associates, LtdJ
The tables show that batteries discarded from households and other
sources of MSW are by far the largest current source of mercury. Light bulbs,
paint residues, thermometers, therriiostats, and pigments are estimated to
contribute most of the remainder of mercury in MSW. A few other uses, such
as dental mercury and light switches, were also identified, but these totaled
less than one percent of mercury in MSW in 1989. !
Mercury discards in MSW peaked in 1986, and are declining rapidly
(Figure ES-4). In particular, there is projected to be a significant decrease in
mercury in alkaline batteries and paint residues over the next few years. The
decrease in batteries is due to a lorig-term commitment to research and
development by the battery industry to reiiioye mercury from alkaline
batteries. The removal of mercury from pain't residues is the result of bans by
the Environmental Protection Agency, and voluntary cancellations of
registrations by the paint industry, of mercury-based biocides in 1990 and 1991.
The only products identified!to be increasing in total tonnage of
mercury discarded are electric lighting and mercury light switches. Fever
thermometers and thermostats, while formerly increasing in tonnage
discarded, are projected to be fairly stable as sources of mercury.
ES-4
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Table ES-2
DISCARDS* OF MERCURY IN PRODUCTS
IN THE MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE STREAM, 1970 TO 2000
(In percent of total discards)
Products
Household Batteries
Electric Lighting
Paint Residues
Fever Thermometers
Thermostats
Pigments
Dental Uses
Special Paper Coating
Mercury Light Switches
Film Pack Batteries
TOTAL DISCARDS
1970
73.7
4.5
7.2
2.9
1.3
7.7
2.2
0.0
0.1
0.5
100.0
1980
78.4
4.4
4.9
4.7
1.3
4.2
1.3
0.2
0.1
0.5
100.0
1989
87.6
3.8
2.6
2.3
1.6
1.4
0.6
0.1
0.1
0.0
100.0
2000
57.0
23.7
0.3
9.7
6.0
0.9
1.3
0.0
1.1
0.0
100.0
* Discards before recovery.
Source: Franklin Associates, Ltd.
Each identified source of mercury in MSW is discussed briefly in this
section.
Household Batteries
Batteries containing mercury that are assumed to be discarded into
MSW are mostly of two types:
• Alkaline batteries, which are usually the cylinder-shaped batteries
used in flashlights, radios and other electronics, and toys.
• Mercury-zinc batteries, which are usually in a "button" form, are
used in hearing aids, watches, calculators, cameras, and similar
applications. Mercury-zinc cylinder-type batteries are also used in
some medical applications that were assumed to be discarded in
MSW.
A few other kinds of batteries—carbon zinc, silver oxide, and zinc air-
account for relatively small amounts of mercury in MSW.
Alkaline Batteries. Alkaline batteries accounted for about 419 short
tons, or over 59 percent, of discards of mercury in MSW in 1989. While the
ES-5
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amount of mercury used in each ba'ttery has been quite small, the large
numbers of alkaline batteries sold rjave caused these batteries to become the
leading source of mercury in MSW|.
The battery industry has beeh under intense pressure to reduce the
amounts of mercury (and other heavy metals) discarded into MSW. The
industry has announced its intention to reduce mercury in alkaline batteries
to 0.025 percent by weight by 1992, j and to eventually eliminate all mercury
from these batteries. Projections made for this report take these goals into
account.
Mercury-Zinc Batteries. Mercuric oxide is used as the cathode material
in mercury-zinc batteries, so mercujry comprises a relatively high percentage
of the material in these batteries. They contributed over 196 tons; or nearly 28
percent, of mercury discards in 1989. The amount of mercury discarded in
mercury-zinc batteries has declined) over the years as other kinds of batteries
(silver oxide, zinc air) have taken some of their market share.
While mercury can be eliminated from alkaline batteries, it is an
integral part of mercury-zinc batteries. Discards of mercury from this source
were thus projected to decrease butrnot be eliminated. Based on the
projections, only mercury-zinc batteries will be found in MSW in the year
2000. ;
Other Batteries. Other batteries that contributed about 5 tons, or less
than one percent, of mercury discards in MSW in 1989 include carbon-zinc
batteries, silver oxide batteries, and izinc air batteries. Production of carbon-
zinc batteries is declining, while use of silver oxide and zinc air batteries has
Figure ES-3. Discards of mercury in MSW, 1989
Lighting 3.8%
Paint Residues 2.6%
Thermometers 2.3%
Thermostats 1.6%
Pigments 1.4%
All Others <1%
Total mercury discards = 709 short tons
ES-6
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Figure ES-4. Discards of mercury in MSW, 1970 to 2000
short tons
800y
700..
600 ••
500..
400 • •
300 • •
200--
100- •
0 .-
•4-
•4-
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
been increasing. It is projected that use of mercury in these batteries will be
discontinued.
Recovery for Recycling. While some programs to recover batteries,
either for recycling or simply to keep them out of the waste stream, were
identified, the quantities recovered were not believed to be significant enough
to affect discards in 1989. It was assumed for this report that 5 percent of the
mercury in batteries will be recovered in 1995 and that 20 percent will be
recovered in the year 2000. These recovery rates are consistent with recovery
rates achieved by many other products in MSW, and lower than some.
Electric Lighting
The second largest source of mercury in MSW in 1989 was estimated to
be electric lighting. This mercury came from two sources:
• The ordinary fluorescent lamps (btilbs) used in residences, offices,
and other commercial and institutional buildings
• Certain high intensity lamps (bulbs) used in lighting streets, parking
lots, and similar sites.
Of these two sources, fluorescent lamps are by far the largest,
accounting for 26 tons of mercury in MSW in 1989, or 3.7 percent of total
discards. All lighting sources were estimated to contribute nearly 27 tons of
mercury in 1989, or almost 4 percent of total discards.
ES-7
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The mercury content of these lamps has been reduced over the past 5
years, but increasing sales will cause the amount of mercury from this source
to continue to increase. New energy-efficient fluorescent lamps are being
promoted as a replacement for incandescent lamps at this time, but it is too
early to determine whether sales and discards of these lamps will further
increase the amount of mercury discarded.
While a few attempts to recover mercury from fluorescent lamps were
identified, no basis for projecting a| significant amount of recovery from
lamps in MSW in the future was found.
Faint Residues I
By 1991, EPA had banned the use of mercury as a biocide in paints for
exterior or interior use. Even though mercury is no longer used in paint
manufacture, paint cans containing residues including mercury will continue
to be discarded. It was estimated thkt about 18 tons of mercury were discarded
in paint residues in 1989, or 2.6 percent of total discards. These discards are
projected to decline rapidly as paints made after the ban on mercury took
effect begin to be discarded. (Note that these estimates do not include mercury
in paints applied to interior or exterior surfaces, which are not classified as
municipal solid waste.)
Fever Thermometers \
The familiar fever thermometer was identified as a source of mercury
discarded from homes and medical establishments. In 1989, an estimated 16.3
tons of mercury were discarded in thermometers, or just over 2 percent of
total discards. ;
Mercury fever thermometers! are being replaced by digital
thermometers, especially in medical applications. It therefore was projected
that there will be a gradual decline in discards of mercury from this source.
i
Thermostats :
i
The typical thermostat used for temperature control in residences and
other buildings contains mercury that could enter MSW if the thermostat is
discarded. (This mercury could also become demolition waste if the
thermostat is in a demolished hous|e.) An estimated 11 tons of mercury
entered MSW in thermostats in 1989; this was less than 2 percent of total
discards.
Thermostats have a long life^—estimated to be 20 years—so there is a
long lag time before they are discarded. Thus, even though mercury
ES-8
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thermostats are gradually being replaced by digital thermostats, they are
projected to continue to be a source of mercury in MSW through 2000.
Pigments
Published data on the end uses for pigments containing mercury was
not found. It appears that most of the mercury in pigments is used in plastics,
often in combination with cadmium, but other uses could include paints,
printing inks, rubber, textiles, and others. Based on the data available, it was
estimated that 10 tons of mercury in pigments were discarded in 1989. This
was less than 2 percent of total discards.
Use of mercury in pigments has been declining steadily. Cadmium-
mercury pigments are no longer manufactured in the United States, but some
imports were identified. Since there is continuing pressure on pigment
makers to eliminate metals, it was projected that use of mercury in pigments
will continue to decline rapidly.
Other Sources of Mercury in MSW
Other sources of mercury in products discarded in MSW include dental
amalgams, a special paper coating used with cathode ray tubes, and mercury
electric light switches. Together these uses amounted to less than one percent
of mercury in MSW discards in 1989.
Use of mercury in dentistry is declining, and the manufacturers of the
special paper have announced plans to discontinue use of mercury by 1995. Of
this group, only mercury light switches are a growing source of mercury in
MSW. Their discards are projected to total about 2 tons in 2000, or about one
percent of total discards in that year.
Mercury was formerly a component of batteries used in instant camera
film packs, but this use was discontinued in 1988.
Discontinued Sources of Mercury in MSW
Research for this report identified several products that can be classified
as MSW where mercury has been used in the past. These sources were not
quantified, but are listed below:
Mirrors (discontinued about 50 years ago)
Glass in highly specialized applications
Felt (discontinued in the 1950s)
Textiles intended for outdoor use
Paper (discontinued about 1972).
ES-9
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MERCURY IN NON-MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE PRODUCTS
While the purpose of this report was to quantify sources of mercury in
municipal solid waste, other products containing mercury were identified in
the research. Some of these wastes could very likely be managed in a landfill
or combustor intended primarily for MSW.
Agricultural Products
Mercury and mercury compounds have been used as fungicide? for
agricultural purposes. These uses were greatly restricted by FIFRA, and
presently only applications for treatment of outdoor textiles, to control brown
mold on freshly sawn lumber, to control Dutch elm disease, and to control
snow mold are allowed. No use is permitted on food crops.
Paints
In the past mercury compounds were widely used as biocides or
preservatives in paint, especially in latex paints. Mercury was also formerly
used in antifouling paints for marine use, but this use was banned in 1972. By
regulatory action taken in 1990 and 1991, EPA prohibited further use of
mercury in indoor or outdoor paints manufactured in the U.S.
Paint containing mercury manufactured before the ban may, however,
still be discarded as a residue (see above), and demolition waste including
mercury in paint will undoubtedly $till be discarded.
i
Chlorine and Caustic Soda Production
Mercury is used in the manufacturing process for the production of
chlorine and caustic soda. In fact, this use was the largest consumer of
mercury in the United States in 1989. This use was classified as industrial, not
MSW. I
Other Non-MSW Sources of Mercury
Other uses for mercury not classified as entering MSW include the
catalysis of various plastics, explosives, laboratory uses, residues of
Pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, and certain electrical apparatus.
Discontinued Uses of Mercury
A number of non-MSW applications for mercury that have been
discontinued were identified. These include embalming fluid, photographic
development, soap, and wood preservatives.
ES-10
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LIMITATIONS OF THIS REPORT
The purpose of this report was to characterize the sources of mercury in
municipal solid waste. The characterization applies to the United States as a
whole, and should not be construed to be representative of mercury in MSW
in a particular locality. Local variations in waste composition and in waste
management practices may cause the mercury content at any particular
facility to vary from the United States average.
In many cases, the amounts of historical, current, and projected
mercury in products in MSW are not well documented in any available data
source. The estimates in this report are, therefore, often based on
assumptions, which are documented in the report.
Identification of alternatives and substitutes for mercury in products
was not part of the work scope for this report. Information on these topics
must come from other sources.
ES-11
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