Waste » Business » Mercury » Thermostat (Mercury-containing)
Modern electronic thermostats save money through efficiency and do not contain mercury. However, replacing old thermostats can cause hazards. Older electric thermostats often contain mercury. Circular gauge-type thermostats and rectangular models with lever-type adjustments often have mercury switches inside. Carefully lifting off the cover will reveal a glass ampoule of mercury.
Mercury containing thermostats should not be disposed in the garbage. Mercury damages the brain, kidneys, liver and heart. Thermostat disposal and breakage, as well as building fires, can lead to exposures and contamination.
Mercury is very toxic. It is mostly known as a neurotoxin, meaning that it harms the brain and nervous system. However, mercury is also linked to kidney and liver damage and possibly cancer. Children are especially at risk because of their brains and bodies are still developing. Many of the health effects of mercury can be permanent. When it rains, airborne mercury deposits back on the land and water bodies. Some of the mercury is converted into methyl mercury, a highly stable compound that contaminates our water and our marine life. The methyl mercury concentrates up the food chain, especially in certain fish where it can affect the health of people who eat them. Infants, children and pregnant or nursing mothers must take special precautions to minimize mercury exposure from fish.
Thermostat Recycling Corporation run by the National Association of Electrical Contractors, supports recycling efforts in Washington State.
1765 Duke Street
Alexandria, VA 22314
Email: trc@thermostat-recycle.org
Phone: 1-888-266-0550
Find more FAQs Preguntas frecuentes
Q. Who’s eligible to participate as a collection location?
A. Heating and air conditioning (HVAC) wholesale distributors; retailers who sell thermostats in the continental U.S.; and any approved municipal/county HHW, waste, solid waste or universal waste location. HVAC contracting businesses with more than seven technicians or serving rural communities can also participate as collection locations.
Q. What thermostats can be recycled?
A. The program accepts all brands of wall-mount mercury-containing thermostats. The thermostat must be whole and not leaking. TRC no longer requires the thermostat cover. TRC does not collect other mercury-containing product.
Electronic/programmable or digital thermostats.
Washington State Laws: Sales Ban: The sale of mercury thermostats is prohibited. Manufacturers may continue to sell mercury-added thermostats if they provide a means to collect and recycle waste mercury thermostats.
Idaho State Laws: Waste mercury thermostats are regulated as "universal wastes" in order to streamline their collection and transport. Federal universal waste regulations are set forth in 40 CFR Part 273. States may modify federal regulations and many states' regulations are more stringent than federal regulations. Individuals and businesses generating waste mercury thermostats should review and familiarize themselves with their specific state regulations.
