BOSTON — Any person or contractor replacing a mercury-containing thermostat in Massachusetts must now deliver it to an appropriate collection site to be recycled. A new law also mandates that, as of Oct. 30, 2014, no HVAC wholesale distributor shall sell or distribute any thermostat unless the wholesaler participates as a collection site to recycle mercury thermostats.

The Massachusetts collection program is supported by 31 manufacturer members of the Thermostat Recycling Corp. (TRC). The Massachusetts law requires all manufacturers of mercury thermostats sold in the state either individually or collectively participate in a collection program. TRC is offering all HVAC wholesale distributors in Massachusetts a free TRC recycling container. Contact TRC at 1-888-266-0550 or visit www.thermostat-recycle.org for more information.