Thermostat Recycling Corp. (TRC) is partnering with Wheelabrator Technologies to collect thermostats that contain Mercury in Massachusetts.  This collection program is part of the Mass Save energy efficiency installation and weatherization program, which is funded by a coalition of utility companies.

"We are excited to partner with Wheelabrator to encourage and ensure the safe collection of mercury-containing thermostats under the Mass Save program," said Ryan Kiscaden, executive director of TRC, in a statement.  "When you have a committed strategic partner as we do with Wheelabrator, staff that understands the ease of the recycling process and an informed public that encourages recycling efforts, it increases the recycling rates of these devices dramatically."

Under this agreement, TRC will provide free recycling containers for consolidating mercury thermostats that have been replaced in homes and businesses under the Mass Save energy efficiency program. In addition, TRC will process, count and dispose of the thermostats collected.  Wheelabrator, on the other hand, will be in charge of facilitating the shipping of these devices from participating trade partners or local utilities.

Reporting on this effort will be made available to any interested stakeholders including utility companies, participating trade allies and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection.

"Wheelabrator looks forward to working with TRC to provide a proactive, coordinated solution for the collection of thermostats as part of the Mass Save program," said Jim Connolly, vice president of environmental, health and safety for Wheelabrator, in a statement. "The ability to utilize TRC's recycling services ensures the safe and cost-effective handling of mercury-containing thermostats.  This agreement plays a key role in meeting the mercury recovery goals outlined in Wheelabrator's Material Separation Plan for Massachusetts, aimed at diverting mercury from the waste stream to prevent it from being processed at our energy-from-waste facilities."

The Mass Save energy efficiency program has the potential to extract substantial mercury thermostats for recycling, allowing Massachusetts to capture one of the last reservoirs of mercury still in service.