A method for reducing the amount of mercury affixed to a sorbent and/or fly ash is disclosed. The method includes the steps of providing an amount of sorbent and/or fly ash wherein at least a portion of the amount of sorbent and/or fly ash has particulates having mercury compounds affixed to the particulates; and exposing the amount of sorbent and/or fly ash to heated flowing air until mercury compounds are liberated from at least some of the particulates. Preferably, the amount of sorbent and/or fly ash is maintained in the heated flowing air until the sorbent reaches a temperature of at least 700.degree. F. (372.degree. C.). When the sorbent is activated carbon, it is preferred that the amount of sorbent and/or fly ash is maintained in the heated flowing air until the activated carbon reaches a temperature in the range of 700.degree. F. (372.degree. C.) to 1000.degree. F. (538.degree. C.).