Mercury Thermostat Recycling

Iowa Code 455D.16 establishes a program for the collection and recycling of mercury thermostats. The major provisions of the law are: Ban on the sale of mercury thermostats starting July 1, 2009 Mercury thermostats must be managed as hazardous or universal waste Manufacturers will develop and implement a plan for recycling mercury thermostats Wholesalers will act as collection points Retailers will provide recycling information to consumers Collection goals to be set by department by January 1, 2009, in consultation with stakeholders

To find a thermostat collection point near you or to become a collection point, please go to: http://www.thermostat-recycle.org/

Manufacturer's Plans:
The owner of a brand of mercury thermostats that was sold in the state of Iowa is required to submit a plan for the collection of thermostats.

The following two plans have been approved:

• Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC)
• Clean Burn of Iowa

Reports:
The law also requires that the Department of Natural Resources submit a report to the legislature each January and that manufacturers report to the DNR in April of each year.

• Report to the Legislature, January 2010

DNR Contact
Theresa Stiner
(515)281-8646
Theresa.Stiner@dnr.iowa.gov