How the Program Works

TRC is a national program and operates as a reverse distribution system. TRC provides recycling containers to eligible collection locations for a modest, one-time participation fee. The fee is currently $25 per container.

The recycling containers are reusable plastic bins that hold up to 100 waste mercury-containing thermostats. Each container is clearly marked as a TRC container and also clearly indicates no products other than mercury-containing thermostats are to be placed into the container. Containers are bar-coded and assigned to each location. Each container is shipped with program guidelines, a plastic liner, twist ties for sealing the liner, zip ties for sealing the container, and a pre-paid universal waste shipping label for return shipment. Upon receipt of a container, the empty container is returned with guidelines, a new liner, zip and twist ties, and a pre-paid universal waste shipping label.