Sales Ban: The sale of mercury thermostats is prohibited.
Installation Ban: The installation of mercury thermostats is prohibited.
Collection Program Requirements
Mandatory Wholesale Distributor Collection: HVAC wholesale distributor are prohibited from selling any thermostat unless their location(s) are acting as a collection point for waste.
Mandatory Manufacturer Funded Collection and Recycle: Manufacturers that historically branded and sold mercury thermostats in Montana are required to individually or collectively participate in a collection program.
Mandatory Web and Catalog Sales Take-back: Retailers or wholesalers selling by mail must facilitate a mail-back collection program.
Recycling Your Old Mercury-Containing Thermostats
On January 1st, 2010, legislation banning the sale, distribution and installation of mercury-containing thermostats went into effect in Montana. This legislation requires thermostat manufacturers to establish collection programs for contractor and consumer-generated mercury thermostats. The legislation also requires all HVAC wholesale distributors with facilities in Montana to act as a collection point for waste mercury thermostats.
TRC IS THE EASIEST AND CHEAPEST WAY TO COMPLY WITH MONTANA LAW.
TRC provides collection containers to HVAC wholesale distributors, thermostat retailers, HVAC contractors, and household hazardous waste collection facilities for a nominal one-time charge of $25. TRC assumes all costs to ship and properly dispose of mercury-containing thermostat.
How can you participate in the program?
Bring your mercury-containing thermostat to any TRC collection location for proper disposal. To locate a collection point, please use the search tool on this site. HVAC contracting businesses with seven or more technicians or those serving rural communities may participate directly in the program by ordering a collection container.
State Information on Mercury Thermostats: N/A