Maine

It is illegal to dispose mercury-containing thermostats in solid waste in Maine.  In accordance with Maine Public Law Chapter 558, the TRC provides a several no-cost mechanisms for Maine residents to recycle all brands of end-of-use mercury-switch thermostats.

In 2006, mercury thermostat collection legislation was passed requiring thermostat manufacturers to provide a financial incentive of $5.00 for turning in a mercury-switch thermostat for recycling.  Bring your mercury-switch thermostat to any TRC collection in the state and receive either an in-store credit (at retail locations) or a coupon that can be mailed in to recieve payment by check.

To locate a collection location near you, use TRC's search tool on this site.  For Maine homeowners without a nearby collection site they can request a pre-paid shipping label by phone at 1-800-238-8192 or email TRC@thermostat-recycle.org. 

Please include all address information needed to ensure delivery to the proper location. 

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SHIPPING MERCURY-CONTAINING THERMOSTATS 

1. Clearly print return name, address and phone number on prepaid UPS mailing label provided by TRC. [If payment check is to be made out to another individual, please indicate as such].  Save receipt as proof of shipment. 

2. Place thermostat(s) into a zipper-lock plastic bag and insert in a box. Seal securely. 

NOTE – Thermostat must be intact, complete with cover with brand name visible. DO NOT remove and ship mercury ampoules. DO NOT ship thermostat if mercury ampoules are broken or leaking. 

TRC ONLY ACCEPTS MERCURY-CONTAINING THERMOSTATS.  DO NOT SHIP ANY OTHER MERCURY CONTAINING PRODUCTS SUCH AS THERMOMETERS OR FLOURSECENT LAMPS!

3. Place the mailing label on the package, and drop off at nearest UPS location. 

4. For location of UPS drop-off or to arrange for pickup by UPS, call UPS at 1-800-PICK-UPS (800-742-5877) or visit www.ups.com/dropoff.

5. Payment  by check will be issued after receipt of thermostat(s) at TRC recycling facility in Minnesota. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for processing. 

6. Questions and inquiries concerning status of payments may be submitted by phone at 1-888-266-0550.

7. Homeowners wishing to ship thermostats without a pre-paid label may send them to:

THE U.S. POSTAL SERVICE PROHIBTS SENDING MERCURY-CONTAINING THERMOSTATS IN U.S. MAIlL.  USE OTHER CARRIER OR CHECK POSTAL SERVICE REGULATIONS PRIOR TO SENDING MERCURY-CONTAINING THERMOSTATS VIA U.S. MAIL.