SYRACUSE, N.Y. — The Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA), in partnership with local Waste-to-Energy facility operator Covanta Onondaga LP and nonprofit Thermostat Recycling Corp. (TRC), hosted a collection event for mercury-containing thermostats and thermometers.

Over 240 Onondaga residents responded by dropping off 395 thermometers and 290 thermostats that cumulatively contain approximately 3 1/2 pounds of mercury, equivalent to the amount of mercury in 310,000 compact fluorescent bulbs. Each resident received a $10 gift card, courtesy of Onondaga, in exchange for the collected devices which were recycled by TRC at no cost. During the New York State Association for Reduction, Reuse and Recycling’s 27th Annual Recycling Conference, TRC outreach specialist Piper Mlsna presented OCRRA recycling director, Andrew Radin, with a Carbon Neutral Certificate that recognizes the 66 tons of emissions reduced through the purchase of carbon offsets for OCRRA’s successful October mercury collection event.