Barometers Illegal in Garbage & Drains Contains Mercury Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off is available twice a month by appointment only on Saturdays for household hazardous waste and/or universal waste. Acceptable items include over-the-counter and prescription medications, fluorescent light tubes, motor oil and used motor oil, antifreeze, paint, chemicals (pool and others), household cleaners, and pesticides. The majority of medications are accepted as household hazardous waste excluding controlled substances. Some items can be dropped off at the HHW Facility without an appointment and during hours of operation. These items include: sharps waste (syringes or lancets) properly packaged for safe disposal, (used) motor oil, filters and antifreeze. Proof of residency is required. To make an appointment to drop off your household hazardous waste on the next available Saturday at the Waste Management HHW Facility at 2880 Industry Street, please call Waste Management’s Customer Service line at (760) 439-2824. HHW must be dropped off by appointment – click for more info. Aneroid vs. Mercury Barometers Aneroid barometers are circular and have a pointer and dial face. These barometers do not typically contain any mercury, even though the unit of measure is inches or millimeters of mercury. For a mercury barometer, the reading is taken from the height of the mercury in a glass column, much like a thermometer. Never Throw Away Mercury Barometers Most antique barometers contain about 4 ounces of mercury that can be released into the environment if disposed of improperly. If your barometer contains mercury, dispose of it with hazardous waste. Ways to Reuse Repair Antique Barometers If you have a broken antique barometer, have it repaired instead of throwing it away. Check out Barometer Fair – they offer restoration and repair services.