• Common examples of toxics
• Household Toxics Facility
• Community Toxics Collections
• Toxics Rover Pickup
• Business toxics disposal

Motor Oil

• Search for motor oil/filter drop-off locations
• Curbside motor oil recycling

Special Wastes

• Electronics
• Fluorescent lamps/CFLs
• Household batteries
• Medications/pharmaceuticals
• Mercury thermostats
• Paint
• Syringes/needles
• Treated wood

Related topics

• Less toxic pest management

Mercury thermostats

Some wall mounted thermostats use mercury switches to sense and control room temperature in heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) equipment. Mercury thermostats were widely used in California prior to 1992 and were legal to buy until 2006. The mercury switch is a glass vial with mercury in it which conducts electricity to the temperature control equipment. Replace mercury thermostats with non-toxic programmable (digital) thermostats.

Why should mercury thermostats be recycled?
Approximately 3 grams of mercury is used in a thermostat. Disposing of old thermostats, using traditional methods (throwing out in the trash) result in breakage, allowing mercury to be released into the environment.  Elemental mercury is a powerful neurotoxin and does not break down, but builds up in fish, birds and people.  Inhaling or ingesting mercury over time can cause irreversible damage to the brain, kidneys, or to developing fetuses. The safe recovery of mercury-containing thermostats prevents pollution and protects public health.

About the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008
AB 2347 requires that beginning July 1, 2009 all heating and air conditioning wholesalers with physical locations in California will be required by law to collect end-of use thermostats from the public at no charge.

1. Drop-off wall-mounted mercury switch thermostats at all heating and air conditioning wholesalers: for residents & businesses

Baker Distributing
300 W. Robles, Bldg. J, Santa Rosa  
(707) 585-9400

Dan Goetz Wholesale Outlet
335 Ohair Ct., Ste. A, Santa Rosa  
(707) 575-4536

Refrigeration Supply Distributors
3355 McMaude Pl., Santa Rosa  
(707) 585-1133

2. Dispose of spent mercury thermostats and other mercury products through the Agency's Hazardous Waste programs: for residents & businesses

For residents
Household Toxics Facility
Community Toxics Collections
Toxic Rover Pickup Service

For businesses
Household Toxics Facility
Community Toxics Collections

3. Mail back recycling options: for HVAC contractors and builders

Funded by manufacturers, the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) provides HVAC contractors and builders free postage-paid collections bins with a one-time set up fee.