Pennsylvania

Recycling Your Old Mercury-Containing Thermostats

On December 8th, 2009, legislation banning the sale, distribution, and disposal of mercury-containing thermostats into solid waste will go into effect. This legislation requires thermostat manufactures to establish collection programs for contractor and consumer-generated mercury thermostats. It also requires wholesalers to participate as collection points for the drop off of mercury thermostats.

TRC provides collection containers to HVAC wholesalers for a nominal one time charge of $25. TRC will then handle shipping and processing fees required to properly dispose of the thermostat.

Contractors and retailers are required to either participate as collection points -OR- provide notice to customers that recycling of mercury thermostats is required under law and identify locations of nearby collection points.

How You Can Participate in the Program
Bring your mercury-containing thermostat to any TRC collection location for proper disposal. To locate the drop off location nearest you, use the search tool found on this website.hermostats and the glass ampoule under the cover which contains the mercury. Mercury-containing thermostats should not be disposed of in the regular trash.