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. Common mercury thermostats house a glass ampoule under the cover that contains the mercury.

 

In 2010, mercury thermostat collection legislation was passed in Rhode Island requiring thermostat manufacturers to establish collection programs for contractor and consumer-generated mercury thermostats. The legislation requires all HVAC wholesale distributors with facilities in Rhode Island to act as a collection point for waste mercury thermostats by February 1, 2011.

 

IT IS ILLEGAL TO DISPOSE OF A MERCURY THERMOSTATS IN SOLID WASTE IN RHODE ISLAND. HVAC CONTRACTORS MUST RECYCLE ALL MERCURY THERMOSTATS THEY REMOVE FROM SERVICE. IT IS ILLEGAL TO LEAVE THEM AT THE CUSTOMER’S PREMISE.

 

TRC IS THE EASIEST AND CHEAPEST WAY TO COMPLY WITH RHODE ISLAND LAW.

 

TRC provides collection containers to HVAC wholesale distributors, thermostat retailers, HVAC contractors, and Household Hazardous Waste programs for a nominal one-time charge.

 

Bring your mercury-containing thermostat to any TRC collection location for proper disposal. If your local HVAC wholesale distributor is not collecting waste mercury thermostats ask them to. HVAC contracting businesses with seven or more technicians or those serving rural communities may participate directly in the program by ordering a collection container.