Mercury thermostats contain approximately 1,000x more mercury than a CFL bulb. Think about that every time you replace a mercury thermostat. You wouldn’t throw 1,000 CFL bulbs in the trash, would you?
Not only is it bad for the environment, but disposing of mercury thermostats in the trash is also against California law. Regulated as hazardous waste, failure to recycle could lead to fines up to $25,000 per violation.
As an industry-funded non-profit, Thermostat Recycling Corporation’s (TRC) mercury thermostat recycling program provides a free and easy way for you to comply with California law to dispose of mercury thermostats at your local HVAC wholesaler. All California HVAC wholesaler/distributors are required by law to take mercury thermostats off your hands at no cost to you.
Larger HVAC contracting firms with seven or more technicians are eligible to participate in TRC’s program directly. There is a one-time fee of $25 to sign-up which will grant the location a reusable recycling container that holds up to 100 thermostats at a time. Locations may ship their recycling containers as many times as necessary at TRC’s expense. TRC includes all materials needed to make collection and shipping as easy and safe as possible.
Visit www.thermostat-recycle.org to find out more.