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Q&A
What is the purpose of the program?
The goal is to recycle all mercury containing thermostats that a contractor replaces.
What should I do?
Whenever you replace a mercury-switch thermostat, keep the old one. When you visit your wholesaler, put the used thermostats in the green bin provided by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation.
What thermostats can I recycle?
All brands of wall-mounted, mercury-switch thermostats or sensors.
Which wholesalers participate?
You’ll find the recycling bins at hundreds of wholesaler locations across the nation. You can see a list of participating wholesalers at www.thermostat-recycle.org. If your wholesaler isn’t participating, ask them to start now. (It’s easy and free* for them, too.)
Should I take out the mercury-switch?
No. Return the entire thermostat intact, including the cover. The thermostat casing protects the mercury-switch during shipment.
What’s not accepted under this program?
• Loose mercury switches (bulbs)
• Leaking mercury-switch thermostats
• Electronic thermostats and other thermostats without mercury-switches
• Batteries, fluorescent light bulbs and other devices containing mercury
Contact your county’s waste management office for proper disposal methods of these items.
What happens after I drop off the old thermostats?
When your wholesaler’s bin is full, the wholesaler sends it to TRC’s recycling center. The switches are removed and forwarded to a mercury recycler.
Is there a “reward” for the used thermostats I bring in?
No. The recycling program is provided as a service to the HVAC industry.
Do I have to participate in the program?
No. Participation is voluntary. Keep in mind, however, that state and local regulations may require that you properly dispose of mercury-switch
thermostats.
What about in-warranty thermostats?
If a thermostat fails during its warranty period, follow your normal warranty return procedures. If you recycle in-warranty thermostats, you won’t receive warranty credit or replacement.
What else should I know?
Bring in old thermostats promptly. Don’t transport more than 100 thermostats at a time or keep them for more than 10 days.
What if a homeowner brings me a thermostat that he or she removed?
Please accept it and recycle it with your other old thermostats.
Learn more
• Go to www.thermostat-recycle.org
• Call 1-800-238-8192
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