What do you do with thermostat mercury?

What do you do with thermostat mercury?

If you determine that the thermostat contains mercury, you can bring it a household hazardous waste collection or a electrical wholesaler that participates in the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) program.

Can you throw away old thermostats?

Safely dispose of these thermostats for free at a household hazardous waste drop-off location: Designated fire hall. City landfill Throw ‘n’ Go area – if you bring other garbage, landfill charges will apply.

What do I do with my old thermostat?

So, what should you do? Place your old thermostat in a sealable container such as a ziplock bag or plastic tuperware container. This is so that if the mercury bulb breaks inside the device, its vapors will not be breathed in. Check online for the nearest hazardous materials drop-off site.

Is mercury in a thermostat dangerous?

Many thermostats use mercury switches, but as long as a thermostat is intact, it isn’t dangerous. Electronic and magnetic snap switch thermostats don’t contain any mercury. If one or more small glass bulbs are inside, they contain mercury.

Are mercury thermostats legal?

California law has prohibited the sale of mercury thermostats since 2006, but there is no requirement that you replace your existing mercury thermostat.

When did they stop using mercury in thermometers?

Those days have passed. Since 2001, 20 states have banned mercury “fever thermometers” for medical use, and regulations tighten every year. Many pharmacies now carry only sterile digital replacements or the less accurate ones with red glop in the bulb.

How do you dispose of mercury BC?

Mercury thermostats are now accepted through a province-wide recycling program called the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP)….Call the Recycling Hotline.

Lower Mainland:	604-RECYCLE (604-732-9253)
British Columbia Toll-Free:	1-800-667-4321
Email:	hotline(at)rcbc.ca

What is a mercury thermostat?

Mercury thermostats are manual thermostats, usually rectangular or circular in shape. If you see a little glass ampule full of silvery liquid, it’s a mercury thermostat. (That little ampule contains up to 12 grams of elemental mercury, making it the single largest source of mercury in your home.)

Do I need to replace my mercury thermostat?

Myth:Mercury-bulb thermostats should be replaced because they are inaccurate. Fact:Mercury bulb thermostats are among the most accurate for temperature control within the HVAC industry. Cheap electronic thermostats provide inferior temperature control. Myth:Mercury bulb thermostats are hazardous and should be removed.

How do I know if my mercury thermostat is bad?

There should be an open circuit when the mercury is not contacting the wire contacts and a closed connection when it is. If the thermostat fails either of these simple checks, it is defective. The easiest way to check thermostat function is to jump across the terminal screws with a jumper wire.

When were mercury thermostats discontinued?

manufacturers in the U.S. – General Electric, Honeywell, and White-Rodgers. These companies reported that they phased-out the manufacture and sale of mercury-added thermostats in October 2009. Since 2001, many states have passed legislation restricting the sale of mercury-added thermostats.

How long do mercury thermostats last?

Although a mercury filled thermostat may last 20 years, or more, the mechanical parts begin to wear out long before that, becoming less accurate and therefore less efficient over time.

Where should Mercury be stored?

Waste mercury or mercury contaminated material must be stored in special chemical solutions or in vaporproof containers. Mercury containers should be labeled and kept securely closed. Remember, you can’t taste or smell mercury; precaution against contamination is the best defense.

Where is the thermostat on a freezer?

For most models, the thermostat is located on top of the chest freezer. If not, the thermostat is located in the rear compartment or underneath the floor panel. Depending on the structure of the chest freezer, some screws and retaining clips need to be removed in order to gain access to the inside panel of the freezer.

Where to put the thermostat?

The best place to have your thermostat placed is somewhere in the center of your home. This may be a hallway or central room. However, it is important to note that it is away from direct sunlight, air vents and the kitchen.

Where is the thermostat on my water heater?

Gas water heaters use a different type of thermostat system. On most gas water heaters, the gas control valve, which includes both a thermostat and a heat limiting device, are located on the outside of the unit, near the bottom.