The Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008 that became effective July 1, 2009, requires construction and demolition professionals to properly remove and dispose of out-of-service mercury-added thermostats.

HVAC Contractors who install heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning components are required to:

• Handle and transport out-of-service mercury-added thermostats in accordance with the Universal Waste Regulations (UWR) found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 23. For a summary of the UWR for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/upload/UW-_-thermostats_NS.pdf
• Take out-of-service mercury-added thermostats to a collection location that is operated in accordance with Universal Waste Regulations.

Persons engaged in building demolition are required to:

• Remove out-of-service mercury-added thermostats prior to demolition in accordance with the UWR.
• Handle and transport out-of-service mercury-added thermostats in accordance with the Universal Waste Regulations found in the California Code of Regulations, Title 22, Chapter 23. For a summary of the UWR for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/upload/UW-_-thermostats_NS.pdf
• Take out-of-service mercury-added thermostats to a collection location that is operated in accordance with Universal Waste Regulations. Collection bins for out-of-service mercury-added thermostats are required, by law, to be provided at HVAC wholesaler locations in California. To find a HVAC wholesaler near you, visit http://www.thermostat-recycle.org
• Collection bins may also be found at local government agency household hazardous waste (HHW) collection facilities. To find a HHW collection facility near you, visit http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/UniversalWaste/HHW.cfm

Failure to comply with this law may result in penalties of up to twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for each separate violation or, for continuing violations, for each day that a violation continues.

Learn more about the law and the obligations for contractors and building demolition at: http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/Mercury_Therm_Act.cfm For questions/concerns, contact DTSC at thermostats@dtsc.ca.gov or DTSC's Regulatory Assistance Officers at 800-72-TOXIC (800.728.6942).