Thermostats Alternative ways to recycle Illegal in Garbage & Drains Contains Mercury Hazardous Waste E-Waste SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS Bring theses items to the HHW Facility or consider them e-waste depending on the type of thermostat. Thermostats that Contain Mercury are Hazardous Waste A thermostat that contains mercury should be disposed of as hazardous waste, so never throw them in the garbage. Smart and Digital Thermostats Are E-Waste Smart thermostats and digital thermostats need to be disposed of as e-waste, so never throw them in the garbage. ThermostatCare Program A state collection program is aviailable to residents with locations in the RecycleMore jursisdiction. Access their website for more information and to find the closet mercury thermostat recycling location. NOTE: RecycleMore does not participate in this program. https://thermostatcare.org/ . How to Check for Mercury Remove the thermostat’s cover and check if you see a bulb or vial that contains a silver, metallic liquid. If present, this liquid is mercury. Alternative Ways to Recycle Return to an HVAC Wholesaler Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) wholesalers are required by law to accept mercury thermostats free of charge. Find collectors who will recycle your thermostat. Ways to Reduce Replace Mercury Thermostats Most thermostats are made without mercury now so they are less damaging to the environment and more energy efficient. Consider updating your thermostat to save energy, money and avoid a hazardous mercury spill.
