Recycling Mercury Thermostats Across the Nation.
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) is a non-profit 501(c)6 stewardship organization that facilitates and manages the collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. Originally founded in 1998 by Honeywell, White-Rodgers, and General Electric as a voluntary venture, we established our mission to promote the safe collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. Currently, 28 manufacturers support the program. Our members’ continuing financial support demonstrates their commitment to a cleaner environment. Our collective goal is simple: keep mercury out of the waste stream in order to protect the environment.
Our network of collection sites consists of HVAC wholesale distributors and HVAC contractors. In 2006, we expanded our program to include household hazardous waste collection sites and thermostat retailers.
Today, more than 3,600 businesses and communities in 48 states are enrolled in our program. Since our founding, we have collected over 3 million mercury-containing thermostats – that’s kept 14 tons of mercury out of the waste stream.
*Section 501(c)(6) of the Internal Revenue Code provides for the exemption of business leagues, chambers of commerce, real estate boards, boards of trade and professional football leagues, which are not organized for profit and no part of the net earnings of which inures to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual. An organization that otherwise qualifies for exemption under Internal Revenue Code section 501(c)(6) will not be disqualified merely because it engages in some political activity. In addition, the organization may engage in lobbying that is germane to accomplishing its exempt purpose without jeopardizing its exemption.