Mercury Thermostat Recycling Program

Michigan Energy Options was awarded a grant to implement a new mercury thermostat recycling program that will increase the number of collection sites across the State of Michigan.  Presently, there are 33 locations where mercury thermostats can be properly disposed of for free.  With the help of this grant, we are looking to increase that number to 300 sites across Michigan.

Where can I find a Thermostat Recycling Site?

Why is it important to increase the number of recycling sites in Michigan?

Each year in the United States, approximately 120 tons of mercury is released into the environment.  Many old thermostats contain mercury switches, which contain on average 4 grams of mercury.  The improper disposal of mercury thermostats results in about 8% of the mercury released in the U.S., equal to 9.6 tons.

In its elemental form, mercury exposure can cause symptoms such as tremors, insomnia, weakness, muscle atrophy, and migraine headaches.  However if released into the environment, this elemental mercury can be transformed into a much more dangerous form called methyl mercury.  Methyl mercury exposure is extremely harmful to fetuses, infants and children and has been linked to birth defects as well as impaired brain and nervous system development (source U.S. EPA).

How can you and your organization help?

To increase the number of recycling sites, we need organizations like yours to consider becoming a mercury thermostat recycling site.  The program that Michigan Energy Options is running will cover the cost of the first thermostat recycling bin.  By participating in the program, your organization will help keep mercury out of landfills and incinerators.  Registration for new recycling sites has begun and will be ongoing throughout the program.

We expect that you may have some questions before you register your site.  For more information and to become involved in the program please contact our Environmental Education Manager, Becky Jo Farrington at (517) 337-0422 ext. 303, or use the contact form below.  Additional information on mercury pollution prevention can be found at the Department of Environmental Quality website.  Thank you for taking the time to consider this opportunity to help the environment and those who live in it.