California

Disposal & Recycling of Mercury-Containing Thermostats

Thermostats are commonly found in most homes and are also used for commercial applications as a means of regulating room temperature. Older mechanical thermostats often contained mercury.
The photo shows some common mercury thermostats and the glass ampoule under the cover which contains the mercury. 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 in California requiring thermostat manufactures to establish collection programs for contractor and consumer-generated mercury thermostats.  TRC provides collection containers to HVAC wholesalers, thermostat retailers, and HVAC contractors for a nomimal one time charge.  TRC will also provide collection containers at no cost to any California local government for use at house hold hazardous waste collection facility or household hazardous waste event. Local Governments can order collection containers at no cost by mailing the the  CA HHW Participation Form to TRC. 

How can you participate in the program?

Bring your mercury-containing thermostat to any TRC collection location for proper disposal.  There are over 200 Collection Locations currently in California.