Mercury is an element and cannot be destroyed. Policies designed to decrease the production, use and trade of mercury must be accompanied by access to viable, safe and secure long term storage.
The limited sources of mercury supply globally allow targeted action in this area. Export controls and storage are main instruments to reduce supply. Transparency of trade is also essential for future success in limiting global supply. Primary mining is not required to meet global market demand.
Investing in supply, trade, and storage issue is more efficient than trying to control mercury release.