Total quantity of mercury disposed of or released in the U.S. 2021

During 2021, the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program documented the disposal or release of about 70.8 thousand pounds of mercury and approximately four million pounds of mercury compounds by facilities in the United States. Out of these 70.8 thousand pounds of mercury, over 32 thousand pounds of mercury were transported off-site for disposal or other releases into locations other than Class I underground injection wells, RCRA Subtitle C landfills, and other landfills; employing methods such as soil mixing, waste piling, spillage or leakage, and storage in uncovered areas.

Mercury and mercury compounds are included in the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) program due to its substantial risks to human health, including neurological disorders, developmental issues in children, and potential environmental harm through bioaccumulation and biomagnification in ecosystems.