Barometers

Illegal in Garbage & Drains
Contains Mercury
Hazardous Waste

Hazardous Waste Collection 
Antique barometers contain mercury and need special handling to avoid toxic exposure. 

City Specific Disposal Options
Please check with your city page (residential or commercial) to confirm if additional options are available, such as home collection, drop-off locations, and/or events. (These options vary per city.)

Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Drop-Off
Your city or county may offer HHW drop-off sites and collection events.
– Los Angeles County: S.A.F.E. Collection Centers and events
– Riverside County
San Bernardino County
Ventura County 

Disposal Options For Businesses
Hazardous waste cannot be placed in your containers. Schedule a Special Waste Collection by emailing [email protected] or calling Athens’ Customer Service Department at 888-336-6100. Fees may apply.

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.