Years ago, scrap dealers paid for it, but now they won't even take it. There are 'recovery' companies that may be interested, but none that are nearby plus the the paperwork and fees are absurd. The local government will take thermometers during a yearly hazmat drive, and HVAC suppliers often take mercury based thermostats for recycling but won't take this bulk mercury.
School labs say "DO NOT bring it here, we spent big money becoming 'mercury free'!
I guess I could carry on and build that barometer but if the 'mercury police' find out, ...Well, I'm not into creating a CNN moment.
It guess it would be best to responsibly dispose of it, but how?
Side Notes about Hysteria:
A few years ago a local high school chemistry teacher retired, and created home lab to tinker in his retirement. The chemicals were standard lab-stock items, common enough and without controls. When he passed way his family packed up these chemicals and set them out for trash. Bling.. A CNN moment! Hazmat suits, Late Breaking News, Live Coverage..You get the picture.
A government agency acquired an empty factory building. During the clean up they found some cases of 'hazmat' items..Lacquer Thinner, Acetone, MEK, and Denatured Alcohol, left by the factory. Although most were in sealed cans and cases, they still disposed of it as hazmat materials, in big absorbent filled drums, with threatening labels, at a very high co$t! (I offered to take some home and you should have seen their fearful reaction!
) When the building renovation was done, a traffic & transit sign shop was the occupant. Soon, cases of of Lacquer Thinner, Acetone, MEK, and Denatured Alcohol were delivered to the building for their use.Oh, now I remember now why I saved it... I liked playing with it with as a kid...probably, like many of you!
