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Mercury-Containing Thermostat Disposal
So you are ready to replace your current thermostat for an energy star programmable model – have you thought about the proper disposal of the old one?
Many thermostats used to control the temperature in your home, contain mercury. To identify, remove the front plate and you will see one or more small glass bulbs, known as tilt switches, with mercury inside. Each tilt switch contains roughly three grams of mercury, though there may be as much as six grams. Because mercury is very toxic and can leak out of the thermostat to contaminate our air, water and soil; these old thermostats should never be disposed of in the trash or local landfill.
To assist home-owners with proper disposal of their mercury-containing thermostats, a no-cost collection/recycling program is available too all Montana residents. To determine a drop off location in your area, contact your local county sanitarian.
Thermostat Collection Program made possible by:
- GENSCO Inc. – Wholesale, Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning
- Northwestern Energy of Montana
- Montana’s County Sanitarians and Environmental/Health Departments
- Montana Department of Environmental Quality
For more information, contact the Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s Business and Community Assistance Program at 1-800-433-8773.
