Thermostat Recycling in NebraskaDerry StoverOffice of Environmental Health Hazards & Indoor AirOctober 2011
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Overview of Mercury• Why we use elemental
mercury (Hg)?
– Unique properties:
• Liquid weight & density
• Low vapor pressure & known pressure sensitivity
• Electric conductivity
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Spills and Releases
• Why do we want to recycle mercury?
– Environmental Effects
• Chemically reactive with environment; can form methylmercury and other mercuric compounds
• Mercury is cycled between soil, atmosphere, and surface water
• Contaminates water systems and harms wildlife (toxic to living organisms)
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Spills and Releases– Health Effects
• Elemental mercury is potent neurotoxin
• Enters the body– Skin, Ingestion, Inhalation*
• High doses over short time– Kidney effects, respiratory failure, and death
• Low doses over long-time– Muscles tremors, neurological damage,
headaches, changes in mood Mercury vapors under blacklight after thermometer was spilled
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Mercury Thermostats• 2-3 million thermostats come out of service
each year (EPA Mercury Study Report to Congress, 1997)
– Most contain mercury
• Average Hg thermostat = 4 grams
– Where does this end up?
• Mercury thermostats being phased out, state bans, state recycling requirements
– No bans or thermostat –specific recycling requirements in Nebraska
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Thermostat Recycling Corporation
• Program Overview
– Take-back program founded in 1998 by Honeywell and other thermostat manufacturers
– Collection containers intended for HVAC/P wholesalers• HVAC/P contractors, HHW facilities, and HVAC retailers also
eligible to obtain TRC container
– Initial fee is $25 to obtain container, no costs after
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Thermostat Recycling Corporation
• How it Works
• Or…..– Rural HVAC contractors & contracting businesses with ≥7
technicians can obtain own TRC container• Directly ship to TRC
– General public• Can take thermostats to TRC locations
HVAC contractor removes Hg thermostat from
building
Contractor places thermostats (w/ outer
casing) in TRC container at wholesaler
Wholesaler ships thermostats as universal
waste to processing facility when bucket full
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Thermostat Recycling in Nebraska
• Nebraska DHHS– EPA grant from 2009-10– Paid $25 fee– TRC promotion/outreach
• Doubled # of thermostats recycled during grant years compared to previous 2 years
• Participants in Nebraska include:– 20 HVAC wholesalers– 40 HVAC contractors– 1 HHW facility– 15 HVAC contractors report taking
thermostats to wholesalers
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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How to Sign-up• For organizations/businesses to sign-up
– Go to www.thermostat-recycle.org
– Click on Sign-Up
• Separate forms for– Wholesaler– HHW– Contractors– Retail
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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How to Utilize TRC• Direct people with Hg thermostats to TRC locations
– Contactors with thermostats
– Homeowners can have thermostats (have them call business before dropping off)
– For map of TRC locations• http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/mercury/disposal.htm
– For list of TRC locations• http://www.dhhs.ne.gov/mercury/ThermostatRecyling.htm
• Get own TRC container if you’re a HHW organization
– And must follow TRC container rules & requirements
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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How to Get Involved• Promotion/Outreach activities
– Ask contractors how they dispose of their thermostats
– Direct mailings
– Promotional Tool-kit at www.thermostat-recycle.org• Posters, banners, postcards can be personalized
• Offer grants/funding to cover the initial fee
Nebraska Department Of Health & Human ServicesDivision of Public Health
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Questions?Feel free to contact me with questions
Derry StoverIndoor Air Quality Program
Nebraska Department of Health & Human Services301 Centennial Mall South
PO Box 95026Lincoln, NE 68509