• Popular-Science Summary

The LIFE MERCURY-FREE project (2022–2025) is a European initiative aimed at reducing mercury pollution originating from household products. Due to limited public awareness, mercury-containing items are often disposed of incorrectly and enter municipal waste streams, creating long-term environmental risks. The project addresses this challenge by combining research, education, and coordinated community action.

  • Objectives and Activities

The project focused on three main objectives:

· Increasing public awareness of mercury hazards, promoting safe alternatives, and encouraging proper disposal. Through extensive outreach campaigns, educational materials, and community events, the project reached approximately 450,000 people across Europe.

· Supporting municipalities in developing coordinated, community-based approaches aligned with the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the EU Zero Pollution Action Plan. To facilitate long-term cooperation, the Network of Mercury-Free City Communities was established, currently connecting 10 institutions from 5 European countries. A notable milestone was Ukraine’s accession in 2023 as the 146th Party to the Minamata Convention.

· Strengthening international collaboration among universities, NGOs, and local authorities to promote mercury-free practices and sustainable environmental management.

  • Project Partners

AGH University of Science and Technology (Poland), Innovation Hive (Greece), Universidade de Évora (Portugal), Università degli Studi di Camerino (Italy), Lviv Polytechnic National University (Ukraine), Private Ivano-Frankivsk Academy Ivana Zolotoustoho (Ukraine).

  • Role of Lodz University of Technology

Lodz University of Technology served as the coordinator of the project, led by Prof. Dr. Hab. Eng. Volodymyr Mosorov.

  • Impact and Long-Term Benefits

The project significantly increased public understanding of mercury contamination. More than 5,000 participants took part in seminars, conferences, sports events, city marathons, and art contests. The Academy of Mercury Free LIFE engaged 10,000 participants during the project, with an additional 20,000 expected in the next five years. Post-project activities, including Mercury-Free City Marathons, are planned to attract 10,000 participants.

The project’s digital platform, the e-HUB (https://life-mercury-free.eu/), provides essential information on mercury risks, recommended protective measures, and country-specific resources.

A key indicator of effectiveness is the collection of nearly 50 kg of mercury-containing waste, delivered to municipal waste facilities through campaigns, exhibitions, and return events. These activities will continue beyond the project’s duration.

  • Funding

· Total project value: €1,394,531

· EU co-funding: €836,718

· EU co-funding for Lodz University of Technology: €202,872

· NFOŚiGW funding: €118,342