HF 2669: Recycling of Mercury Thermostats

IOWA LAW HF 2669:  Recycling of Mercury Thermostats

·        Defines a mercury added thermostat as a product or device that uses a mercury switch to sense and control room temperature through communication with heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment.

·        Provides that a person who discards solid waste shall separate mercury added thermostats from that solid waste.

·        Provides requirements for a contractor who replaces or removes mercury added thermostats.

·        Requires manufacturers of mercury added thermostats offering the final sale or has distributed such thermostats in the state will submit a plan to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for approval describing a collection and implementation of a program for mercury added thermostats.  Also requires these entities to submit an annual report to the DNR on the number of mercury added thermostats collected and recycled.

·        Provides that beginning July 1, 2009, a person shall not offer for sale or distribute mercury added thermostats.

·        Requires retailers to participate in an education and outreach program to educate consumers on the collection program.

·        Requires the DNR to submit a report to the general assembly regarding the collection and recycling of mercury added thermostats in the state.

·        Set goals for the collection and recycling program for mercury added thermostats.

·        Provides that if the collection efforts fail to meet the maximum rate of collection, the DNR will make modifications in consultation with interested parties to improve the collection rate.

Website that has information on centers that recycle mercury thermostats

http://www.iowadnr.com/waste/hhm/files/rcccontacts04.pdf

 


Mercury is a poisonous heavy metal and is contained in some of the 
products we use everyday. It can be found in your home, in health 
care facilities, and in schools.Mercury exposure at high levels can 
harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of 
all ages. It has been demonstrated that high levels of methyl mercury 
in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the 
developing nervous system, making the child less able to think and 
learn. Where is mercury found? Sources of mercury in the home include 
fluorescent light bulbs (both tubes and Compact Fluorescent Lamps CFLs),
mercury thermometers, and mercury thermostats.
Mercury.pathway.into.Everglades.wildlife - 268x365 (22008 bytes)

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