Mercury-Containing Devices

It is illegal in New York State to discard consumer products that contain mercury in the trash. Such products include common household items such as thermometers and thermostats.

Fluorescent lamps contain small amounts of mercury but are exempt from these regulations. To learn more about fluorescent lamps, visit lighting in tips when shopping.

Reduce

Switch to a digital fever thermometer. New York State has banned the sale of mercury-fever thermometers. Digital thermometers are accurate and reliable alternatives to mercury thermometers.

Switch to programmable electronic thermostats. These do not contain mercury and are more energy efficient than mercury ones.

Recycle

You can bring mercury-containing devices to any NYC Department of Sanitation Special Waste Drop-Off Site.

Mercury thermostats can be brought to Thermostat Recycling Corporation participating collection locations.

Do not place mercury devices in your recycling bin.

When remodeling your home or updating your heating system, be sure to ask your contractor to carefully remove and recycle your thermostat.

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