Summary of Thermostat Take Back: 

  • Older thermostats usually contain mercury and may require special handling. 
  • Mercury containing thermostats are banned from landfills and are accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events and Regional Facilities.
  • Will County and the IEPA have partnered to offer a year-round drop-off at the Land Use Department.

Thermostat Collection Program

thermostat 2

Many older household thermostats contain mercury-a toxic heavy metal that can cause serious health problems when it enters the environment. Will County partnered with the Illinois EPA to protect public health by increasing homeowner awareness of the need and opportunity to recycle mercury thermostats. 

This program builds on the 2010 Illinois thermostat recycling law, an extended producer responsibility (EPR) law that requires thermostat manufacturers to set up collection and recycling programs for mercury thermostats. The Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) was created by the industry to collect and recycle mercury thermostats, reducing waste and saving taxpayers and local governments money through decreased waste management costs. Under the program, heating, ventilation, and cooling (HVAC) contractors and service technicians to recycle mercury thermostats, and HVAC wholesalers to serve as collection sites. Many homeowners, however, are unaware that collection sites exist, where they are located, or how they can recycle their thermostats, and many may not realize the dangers mercury can pose. To promote this special program for homeowners, Illinois EPA and Will County are offering free collection at our Land Use Department. 

Will County Land Use Drop-Off

Residents and contractors are welcome to drop-off mercury containing thermostats at the Land Use office during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.
 
58 E. Clinton Street
Joliet, IL 60432
8:30am - 4:30pm
 

Digital Thermostats

If you have a "newer" digital thermostat, it does not contain mercury and may be recycled with electronic items.

 

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