ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has placed additional requirements on C-20 HVAC and C-21 demolition contractors and businesses collecting waste mercury thermostats through manufacturer-sponsored programs, the Thermostat Recycling Corp. (TRC) reports.

Beginning July 1, contractors or their employees must provide their State Licensing Board Identification Number (CSLB) upon delivering a waste mercury thermostat to a collection location.

Alternatively, contractors or their employees may deliver their waste mercury thermostats in a plastic bag or other container and print the CSLB number on the bag or on a label attached to the bag or container. This regulation also requires manufacturers or their collection program to report these numbers on an annual basis to the agency.

TRC said it is working with its collection partners in California to facilitate compliance with this new regulation and encourages contractors to contact their local HVAC wholesale distributor to confirm their participation in TRC’s program. All HVAC wholesale distributors in California are required by law to act as collection points for waste mercury thermostats. Distributors who don’t are prohibited from selling any thermostat and may also be subject to significant civil penalties.

Publication date: 7/8/2013

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