Questions and Answers for Wholesalers
How are the thermostats to be collected?
The DEP will provide any wholesaler with a recycling bin. HVAC technicians will collect out-of-service mercury thermostats through their normal business and will drop them off periodically into the collection bin.
Will this program cost anything?
No. The DEP has purchased the bins for the wholesaler. The shipping costs from the wholesaler to the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) will be paid by the TRC. When a full collection container is returned from a wholesaler, a replacement container will be sent out with no additional deposit fee.
I hear there is an Financial Incentive Program in Maine. What is my responsibility?
Wholesalers are required by law to be a mercury thermostat collection site. When technicians bring in intact mercury thermostats, wholesalers should provide the technician with a incentive coupon. When the collection bin is full, it is up to the wholesaler to ship it out to the TRC.
Will there be any paperwork or administration involved?
You will only need to place the UPS ARS label on the collection container so that UPS will take the full collection container to the TRC. Please keep your UPS tracking numbers until you have received a replacement bin.
What is the TRC?
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation is a not-for-profit corporation established by Honeywell, White-Rodgers and General Electric to operate the thermostat recycling program. Nordyne has recently joined the TRC.
What thermostats are included?
The program will accept all brands of mercury switch thermostats.
What should I do if a mercury bulb is leaking?
If a mercury bulb is leaking, let the room air out to avoid breathing the mercury vapor, avoid contact with eyes, skin and clothing and call the DEP toll free spill line for clean-up assistance (800-424-8802). To contain the spill, droplets of mercury can be pushed together using a piece of paper and then collected using one or more pieces of paper. Small drops can be picked up with tape. Place these items and the thermostat in a glass jar with a screw lid. Wash hands completely, remove any contaminated clothing and wash separately from other clothes before reuse. Bring all cleanup materials and the mercury immediately to your nearest solid waste facility as universal waste spill material.
Who should I contact for questions?
Contact TRC at 1-800-238-8192. You may also contact DEP at (207)287-7703 for general program information or concerns about bin shipments.
What will happen to the old thermostats?
The mercury switches will be removed from the returned thermostats. Those switches will be sent to another company that will remove and purify the mercury for reuse.
How does this recycling program affect the thermostats sent in under warranty?
The recycling program and the warranty program are entirely separate programs. There will be no change to any manufacturer's warranty program. Do not include in warranty thermostats in the recycling containers. You will not receive warranty credit if you do. Follow each manufacturer's current warranty policy.
What about other mercury-containing products, such as batteries and fluorescent lights?
This program is only for mercury switch thermostats. Do NOT return batteries, fluorescent lights, or any other controls containing mercury. Contact your local waste management authorities for the proper disposal of these items.
What if a homeowner comes in with an old thermostat and wants to get rid of it?
The HVAC industry would like to see all out-of-service thermostats recycled. If a homeowner comes directly to you, the wholesaler, we recommend you accept the thermostat and place it in the collection box.
What should I use to store the used thermostats when my collection container is being processed?
If you do not have a second container, you should use a plastic 5 gallon bucket with a cover until you receive a replacement bin. You must clearly label the container "Used Mercury Thermostats".
Are there any record-keeping requirements for participating in the recycling program?
There are no specific requirements but you may want to maintain a file of all UPS Authorized Return Service tracking numbers for reference.
Should the mercury bulbs be separated from the thermostats and returned for recycling?
No. It is important to return the entire thermostat since it provides the protection for the mercury bulb during shipment.
