Many older thermostats contain mercury. Mercury is a liquid metal that is very hazardous to humans and the environment. Thermostats use mercury to determine and control the temperature of a room. Most thermostats contain an average of four grams of mercury. Mercury thermostats cannot be thrown in the trash; not only is it against federal hazardous waste laws, it is very dangerous. It is important to properly dispose of your old mercury thermostat when replacing it with a new one.
Instructions
1. Contact your state's department of environmental quality to find a mercury disposal site near you. You can also visit Earth 911 on the web at "www.earth911.org." The website allows you to search for a center near you.
2. Take the thermostat to the center. The center will make sure the thermostat is disposed of in a safe manner.
3. Mail the thermostat to a center if you cannot find one close to you. Visit "www.thermostat-recycle.org" to request a shipping package by mail. The package will include a sealed bag for shipping the thermostat. (It must be sealed).
Tags: mercury Mercury, thermostat center, thermostats contain
