Recycling = Safety
A number of common consumer products contain mercury, a toxic substance that can be harmful to human health and the environment. EFSI encourages users of any mercury-containing product to become familiar with and follow the requirements of applicable local laws.
Thermostats
Many existing wall thermostats contain mercury switches that provide for efficient control of temperature around a desired set point. The switches are securely housed, and the likelihood of consumer exposure to mercury is extremely low. When taken out of service, however, mercury thermostats should be managed and disposed of properly.
The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC), a not-for-profit organization, facilitates the collection all brands of used, wall-mounted mercury-switch thermostats by heating, cooling and air conditioning (HVAC) wholesalers. Your local electrical distributor or contractor may be a participant in the TRC and can help you to recycle your mercury thermostat.
TRC Announces Steep Increase in Collections in 2006
Rechargeable batteries
Rechargeable batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras and remote-controlled toys. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) provides a recycling service for your used portable, rechargeable batteries and old cell phones. The RBRC recycles the following battery chemistries: nickel cadmium (Ni-Cd), nickel metal hydride (Ni-MH), lithium ion (Li-ion) and small sealed lead (Pb). Visit www.RBRC.org to find local participating retailers and other sites that accept rechargeable batteries for recycling.
Ordinary household batteries
Common household batteries (e.g ., AAA, AA, C and D) do not contain hazardous materials. It is permissible in all states, with the exception of California, to dispose of them in household trash. ESFI suggests that you contact your local waste disposal official (a directory should be provided in your local phone listings) with questions or concerns about household battery disposal. Recycling and collection services for household batteries may be available in your community at local recycling centers or retail establishments. There may also be household hazardous-waste-collection community events to which you can bring paints, pesticides, used motor oil and other materials for recycling.
Mercury-containing lamps/bulbs
Many types of lamps (often referred to as bulbs)—including fluorescent and several types of high intensity discharge lamps—used in homes, businesses and commercial settings contain mercury. Mercury lamps are highly efficient and provide substantial energy savings compared with non mercury alternatives. Such lamps must be managed appropriately and disposed of in accordance with local laws, when applicable, as do all mercury-containing products.
Household users of efficient, mercury-containing fluorescent bulbs, including compact fluorescent, are typically exempt from special disposal requirements, although some states and localities prohibit homeowners from disposing of such bulbs in household trash. Businesses—by far the largest consumers of energy-efficient lighting—may be required by law to recycle mercury-containing bulbs.
Lamprecycle.org was developed by the lamp section of the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) to provide a one-stop source of information about spent fluorescent and high intensity discharge bulb recycling. Under federal hazardous waste laws, mercury-containing bulb users are responsible for complying with disposal standards. Visit www.lamprecycle.org to learn where you can recycle old lamps and light bulbs and to locate state government recycling contacts.
Restrict hazardous substances in electrical products
Consistent with its history of responsible environmental stewardship, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) today announced an industry-wide commitment to limit the use of hazardous materials in electrical products. More...