Mercury-Free
Thermostat Law
The
Mercury-Free Thermostat Law, effective December 8, 2009, bans the sale,
installation and disposal of mercury thermostats.
The law requires that thermostat manufacturers establish and maintain
a collection and recycling program for out-of-service mercury thermostats.
Wholesalers who sell thermostats must participate as a collection site
for mercury thermostats. Thermostat retailers or contractors must participate
as a collection point or provide notice to customers that recycling of
mercury thermostats is required under Pennsylvania law and identify locations
of nearby collection points. Manufacturers and the DEP are required to
provide education and outreach on the proper management of mercury thermostats
and other products containing mercury, including maintaining a list of
approved collection sites.
The
Thermostat Recycling Corporation
(TRC), a not-for-profit corporation founded and operated by thermostat
manufacturing companies, facilitates the nationwide collection of all
brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats so that the mercury
can be purified for re-use.
To
find a participating wholesaler in the community, call the Thermostat
Recycling Corp., toll-free, at 800-238-8192. |
