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