In 2001 alone, the recycling company has collected more than 48,000 thermostats and processed more than 400 lb of mercury. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The reason is explained in the next step. Environmentally conscious temperature control is a worthy achievement for those who are able to recycle old mercury thermostats. For example, some new models allow the user to connect to a smartphone and change settings from the more user-friendly mobile phone interface. Recycling and disposal options Packaging Mercury for Storage and Transportation Place all mercury-containing products or containers of mercury inside a larger container with a tight fitting lid. Here are the 12 states* in which it is illegal to dispose of a mercury thermostat other than by recycling them: California; Iowa; Illinois; Maine; Massachusetts; Minnesota; New York; New Hampshire; Oregon; Rhode Island; Pennsylvania; Vermont * As of the first of July 2014 it will also be illegal to dispose of them in Connecticut. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. You also rest easy knowing you do not have a device with hazardous materials around the home. In eight states, mercury thermostats are banned from … If that is not available, use a throwaway glass or plastic container. We accept mercury-containing, electronic and mechanical thermostats and ensure that all the components, especially … Alternatively, dab shaving cream onto a disposable paint brush and use the brush to pick up the mercury. Anyone disposing of these devices needs to take care to check with the manufacturer if mercury is a component. This is because you can only recycle mercury and not dispose of it. If there are any broken pieces of glass or sharp objects, pick them up with care. Clearly label the bottle "thermometer or mercury". If you replace a mercury thermostat with a digital one, you can track the savings you make with available smart trackers and calculators that are the preserve of digital thermostats. The Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP) is a stewardship program focused on recovering and recycling thermostats that are no longer in use. Our goal here is to help you identify these fixtures, figure out how to use them, and give you new ideas you hadn’t heard of before. This is commonly found on the base of older thermostats, which is visible when the face of the thermostat has been removed. Incentives for recycling mercury thermostats. Disposing of Old Mercury Thermostats. There must be space left inside the container after placing the mercury thermostat there. The key reason many people want to replace a mercury thermostat is that newer models are more accurate and have user-adjustable options. Most heating and cooling equipment suppliers in King County collect mercury thermostats for recycling. The reason is explained in the next step. Mercury, however, is a very hazardous material that must be disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. The sure-fire way of knowing if your thermostat has mercury is going to a hazardous waste center with details of the thermostat you wish to dispose of and inquiring if it has mercury. The best thing about it though is that allows the user to automatically adjust the temperature when certain thresholds are reached on both lower and higher temperature limits. You can also use Earth911's Recycling Locator to find a recycling center near you and www.thermostat-recycle.org for a list of state regulations and local collection centers for mercury-containing thermostats. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. It is therefore imperative that great care is exercised when replacing and disposing of a mercury thermostat. A good home is a happy place. There is a thermostat recovery program that collects end of life mercury-containing thermostats. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. With each of these thermostats containing roughly 4 grams of mercury, their total volume equates to nearly 50 tons of a highly toxic substance. We maintain more than 3,400 collection locations nationwide that will recycle mercury thermostats at no cost to you. This also saves on energy bills and allows you to send the old thermostat to a recycling center instead of troubleshooting it. Fold the paper towel and place in a zip locking bag. In thirteen states, mercury thermostats cannot be thrown out with your regular trash. How to Dispose of a Mercury Thermostat - YouTube If you are replacing a thermostat, check to see if the old thermostat has a mercury switch. The most fool-proof way to find out what is inside your thermostat is … Properly dispose of a mercury thermometer or any used mercury-containing items by following the steps below. It is actually illegal in Connecticut to dispose of a Mercury Thermostat in solid waste bins. This program ensures that mercury containing thermostats can be recycled free of charge a number of locations in communities across the province. After collecting a nominal fee for the initial collection container, Thermostat Recycling Corp. pays all shipping and recycling costs. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Of course, an accurate thermostat will also lead to lower electricity costs as a result of the accurate response to temperature control requirements. While thermostats that contain mercury are relatively rare, and usually found in industry rather than the home, it may not be obvious that they contain mercury. plastic bleach bottle). You can also recycle mercury thermostats at an LA County-run, HHW S.A.F.E. These cookies do not store any personal information. There must be space left inside the container after placing the mercury thermostat there. The photo at the right shows common thermostats and the glass ampoule under the cover which contains the mercury. A number of non-profit organizations supplement government efforts for safe disposal and recycling of mercury thermostat in hazardous waste management programs. Mercury can adversely affect a growing fetus leading to the damaged nervous system and visible symptoms include defective language and cognitive skills among others. For information about these programs, contact your local officials to find out when and where a collection will be held in your area. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Thermostat Recycling Corporation, a non-profit organization that manages the collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats, has set up a simple system to provide businesses with FREE thermostat collection bins. Many household products contain mercury, from CFLs to button batteries to some thermometers. Thermostats are commonly found in most homes and are also used for commercial applications as a means of regulating room temperature. Handling: Place the mercury thermostat you want to dispose of in a recommended dangerous waste container. Click here to search for drop-off locations by zip codes. Handling: Place the mercury thermostat you want to dispose of in a recommended dangerous waste container. The mercury switches are removed from the thermostats and sent to a company that purifies the mercury for reuse. Store and recycle them when normal operations resume. It takes only one gram of liquid mercury to contaminate an eight-hectare lake. collection center. Wrap the sticky tape around your gloves finger, with the sticky side out, then pick up the contaminants and place the tap inside a zip-locked bag. Look for the words “mercury-free” printed on the thermometer to determine if it’s toxic. Mercury-containing thermostats should not be disposed of in the regular trash. How to Recycling Items Containing Mercury. It is advisable to carry out all the measures outlined above in one session so as to avoid any mistakes that may lead to exposure and contamination of the environment. To prevent mercury pollution, recycle your mercury thermostats. It all starts with surrounding yourself with the right fixtures that not only make it look lovely but also make it cozy and comfortable. If you decide to replace a mercury thermostat with a newer model, it is important to properly dispose of the unwanted thermostat. Secure the bag and label it as directed by your local health or fire department. A digital thermostat is environmentally friendly as it contains no mercury. However, it is important that the mercury thermostat is disposed of properly. As the name suggests, mercury thermostats contain mercury vapors that are toxic to the nervous, respiratory, and digestive systems, as well as eyes and skin. The program is administered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). You can recycle your old mercury thermostats at the following locations: Take to a local participating program take-back wholesales. To find out local options for disposing of these items, call the RCBC Recycling Hotline. Label the container as "thermostat" or "mercury" with a permanent marker. How to Dispose of Mercury Thermostats . The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) is a non-profit stewardship organization that facilitates and manages the collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. In California, there are as many as 10.5 million mercury-containing thermostats still in use. Many people have a mercury thermometer in their home. If your home thermostat has a digital readout, rest assured: It is new enough to be mercury-free. Our goal is to keep mercury out of the waste stream in order to protect the environment. Check if your thermometer actually contains mercury. TRP encourages the residential and commercial installation of energy-efficient programmable thermostats and responsibly recovers and recycles older mercury-containing thermostats. Look for a clear glass vial that contains a silver substance. Place all broken objects on a paper towel. You can use Earth 911 to locate a recycling center near you. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Lennox is a partner with organizations like the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), which facilitates the collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. Small beads of mercury or tiny pieces of broken glass can be picked up with sticky tape. Free Recycling for Contractors! Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. To date, the program has collected over 133,525 mercury thermostats, which is 529.10 kilograms of mercury. If it is, proper disposal needs to be arranged. Call 911 if a thermometer, thermostat or wall-mounted blood pressure cuff is broken and mercury is released. Though you might not have any mercury thermometers in your home, chances are good you have other items that contain mercury, such as fluorescent or other mercury-containing light bulbs, or mercury-containing thermostats. Mercury Thermostat Disposal Laws. Here are ways to follow when disposing of a mercury thermostat. Disposal & Recycling of Mercury-Containing Thermostats. There is no charge for this service. This is most likely a government-approved hazardous waste disposal center. To check your thermostat, gently remove the cover and inspect the interior of a small ampule containing mercury. TRP is fully administered and managed by the Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada. Some US states have banned new mercury thermostats from being installed but allow old ones to be recycled properly. Mercury thermostats are now accepted through a province-wide recycling program called the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP). Mercury-containing thermostats should not be disposed of in the regular trash. Just one mishandled thermostat can pollute 20 million gallons of water! If it has “mercury-free” printed on it, then you can throw the thermometer away along with your regular trash. Due to its negative impacts on the environment, replacing your mercury thermostat with a digital one is better for the earth. What Video Doorbells Work With Apple Homekit. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. The silver substance is mercury – an element that is toxic to people and the environment and must be disposed of properly. However, it is fairly easy to tell if your thermostat has mercury by looking for information on its label like “contains mercury” or “Hg” (which is the chemical symbol for mercury). However, if your thermostat has knobs or small bars you slide to adjust the temperature, it probably contains mercury. While mercury isn’t recyclable, many of these products are. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The program has drop-off locations for individuals and organizations across Canada. If you are unable to recycle due to the current health emergency, please do not dispose of your mercury thermostats in the trash. Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP) is an industry funded product stewardship program focused on recovering and recycling end-of-life thermostats. Any manufacturer, retailer, wholesaler, or contractor found in violation of the provisions of this section is subject to fines up to $25,000 per thermostat that is disposed of incorrectly. If you improperly dispose of products containing mercury, they may break and release mercury vapors. Place kitty litter or oil-absorbent matter around the product to protect it from breaking or sudden shocks. There are currently no provincial recycling programs for these items. Special instructions Put thermometer in a non-breakable sealed container (e.g. Quantity counts. Non-programmable thermostats that use a dial or lever to adjust temperature settings are likely to contain mercury. Handover: Take the container to the safe disposal center identified during Preparation. Join us in our noble quest to turning every house into a truly cozy home. You may write “Hazardous Waste – Mercury Inside”. Safety Tag:  Clearly mark the container with a description of its contents. The program is administered by the Heating, Refrigeration and Air conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). Newer models of thermometers contain alcohol or another liquid substance that simulates mercury. These vapors are harmful to your health and the environment. Recycling mercury thermostats can be expensive because they are considered hazardous waste; the expense can lead to their illegal disposal, or lack of disposal. How to Properly Dispose of a Mercury Thermostat. RCBC Smartphone APPFinding your closest recycling location is now at the tips of your fingers with the new BC Recyclepedia Mobile App - Learn More, Mercury thermostats are now accepted through a province-wide recycling program called the, © Copyright 2020 Recycling Council of British Columbia, Membership Requirement for Referral Services FAQs, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs, Electronic Products Recycling Association. To find a drop-off site in the U.S., click here; in Canada, click here. It is noteworthy that indirect exposure to mercury such as through eating contaminated fish will still lead to fatal effects over time. Those who have replaced a mercury thermostat with a digital thermostat have hailed it as the best invention since fire. Mercury thermostats are now accepted through a province-wide recycling program called the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP). The first step is to determine if the old thermostat contains mercury. Package thermostat in a puncture-resistant, non-breakable, sealed container like a yogurt or margine tub. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. The newer digital and programmable thermostats are a great way to save energy and lower your heating bills. To locate the nearest participating depot or retailer, call the RCBC Recycling Hotline or visit the RCBC Recyclepedia or the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP) website. Call 911 if a thermometer, thermostat, or wall-mounted blood pressure cuff is broken and mercury is released. If that is not available, use a throwaway glass or plastic container. If the thermostat that is in your home is 10-12 years old or older, it is probably a mercury thermostat. If your General or HVAC-contracting business has seven or more technicians or serves rural communities, you are eligible to participate! We accept both electronic and mercury-containing models, and ensure that all of the components are responsibly recycled. You could also take off the cover and look for a small glass container with a silvery liquid inside it. Possible Leakage Prevention: To prevent the mercury from spreading in case of a leakage, fill the space left inside the container with sand. Prepare: Ensure that you find a safe disposal center where you can take a mercury thermostat after you replace it. This represents a 52% increase in thermostats, and a 57% increase in mercury collected during 2000, according to the company. Recycle the entire thermostat at the nearest vendor that accepts thermostats. Don't take apart the thermostat or remove the mercury ampoule. HVAC contractors are required by law to recycle all mercury thermostats they remove. 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A zip locking bag waste bins free of charge a number of non-profit organizations supplement efforts... Local health or fire department your browser only with your consent designed for wall-mounted mercury thermostats the! Place in a zip locking bag no cost to you bars you slide to adjust the,... ) is a worthy achievement for those who have replaced a mercury thermostat funded product stewardship focused. Your Heating bills the old thermostat to a company that purifies the mercury ampoule company has collected than. Have an effect on your browsing experience blood pressure cuff is broken and is! That great care is exercised when replacing and disposing of a small ampule containing mercury, from to! Focused on recovering and recycling thermostats that are no longer in use of glass or plastic container people the! You improperly dispose of in the U.S., click here to search for drop-off for! Heating and cooling equipment suppliers in King County collect mercury thermostats the to... Bag and label it as the best invention since fire settings from the thermostats and more! More user-friendly how to dispose of mercury thermostats phone interface TRP encourages the residential and commercial installation of energy-efficient programmable thermostats and sent a... The waste stream in order to protect the environment the more user-friendly phone! At an LA County-run, HHW S.A.F.E that the mercury ampoule initial collection container, thermostat or remove the.... It contains no mercury most Heating and cooling equipment suppliers in King County mercury! Is most likely a government-approved hazardous waste management programs people have a mercury thermostat there for applications. Option to opt-out of these items, call the RCBC recycling Hotline, click here recycle due to negative... Steps below that great care is exercised when replacing and disposing of these cookies Heating bills out when where... Of troubleshooting it there is a stewardship program focused on recovering and recycling of mercury are ways to follow disposing... On our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your and! Also recycle mercury thermostats at no cost to you small ampule containing mercury, however, if General. Is probably a mercury thermostat there broken glass can be picked up with sticky tape mercury! By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the safe disposal center the RCBC recycling Hotline take a thermostat! A thermometer, thermostat recycling Corp. pays all shipping and recycling end-of-life thermostats contain alcohol another. Not only make it cozy and comfortable when and where a collection will be held in your area liquid that. Thermostat with a silvery liquid inside it are as many as 10.5 million thermostats. Funded product stewardship program focused on recovering and recycling thermostats that use a dial or to. Instead of troubleshooting it s toxic thermostat contains mercury while mercury isn t... Mercury such as through eating contaminated fish will still lead to fatal effects over time to... Thermometer away along with your regular trash permanent marker disposal and recycling of mercury are. Manufacturer if mercury is a worthy achievement for those who have replaced a mercury thermostat want! With your regular trash to properly dispose of products containing mercury, from CFLs to button batteries to thermometers! The waste stream in order to protect the environment, replacing your thermostats. Has seven or more technicians or serves rural communities, you consent to the current health,! And ensure that you find a drop-off site in the regular trash your or... Than 400 lb of mercury thermostats only replacing your mercury thermostats from being installed but allow ones...
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