Thermostats are commonly found in most homes and are also used for commercial applications as a means of regulating room temperature.
Mercury-containing thermostats should not be disposed of in the regular trash.
Recycling Your Old Mercury-Containing Thermostats
In 2008, mercury thermostat collection legislation was passed requiring thermostat manufactures to establish collection programs for contractor and consumer-generated mercury thermostats and providing a financial incentive of $5.00 for turning in a mercury thermostat for recycling.
How can you participate in the program? Bring your mercury-containing thermostat to any of the locations listed below and receive either an in-store credit (at retail locations) or a coupon that can be mailed in to receive $5.00 reimbursement check - it's that simple. (Note: No other mercury-containing products are accepted as a part of this program.)
If you have any questions regarding this program, visit Thermostat Recycling, or call toll free 1-855-632-9253 or 802-522-5736.
MERCURY THERMOSTAT DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
To find a site near you, go to the Thermostat Recycling Corporation and type your zip code in the blue box titled "Collection Site Near You."
Identifying Thermostats Containing Mercury
To determine if your thermostat contains a mercury switch, remove the front cover. Once the cover is removed you should be able to locate one or more glass ampoules (switches) that contain a silver liquid (mercury).
Alternatives to Mercury-Containing Thermostats
Electronic thermostats, which are mercury-free, are available. The best alternative is to use what are called programmable thermostats. These thermostats can be programmed to keep the temperature of a house a certain level depending on the time of day and the season. Programmable thermostats are encouraged for energy savings.
Resources for Collectors Only
- Video on incentive program (in Vermont this is the same process for “wholesalers” and “districts/municipalities”)
- Video on packing and shipping process (VT collectors, remember to put the thermostats into the new baggies provided)
- Video on running collection reports on our website (this is helpful if you want to know your site’s collection numbers or the database could be used to determine county diversion rates)
For more information contact Danielle Myers, Operations & Compliance Manager, Thermostat Recycling Corporation Desk 267.513.1726 | Cell 267.524.2383 | Fax 703.852.7202