Meat Thermometer 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. How to Check for Mercury A silver, metallic liquid will be visible from inside the bulb or vial if the thermometer contains mercury. If it does contain mercury, do not throw it away. Dispose of it with hazardous waste. Never Throw Away Vintage Thermometers Vintage meat thermometers are more likely to contain mercury, so never throw them away. Instead, dispose of them as hazardous waste. Digital Thermometers Are E-Waste To dispose of digital thermometers, first remove the batteries and dispose of them separately. Then, dispose of the thermometers as e-waste to keep toxic materials from leaching into the environment. Disposable and Analog Thermometers Disposable and analog meat thermometers are mercury-free and can be thrown in the garbage. Ways to Reduce Don't Purchase Mercury If you purchase less mercury, there’s less chance it can be improperly disposed of, which reduces the amount that can leach into the environment and our water supply.
