100kg of mercury recovered in thermostat recycling scheme
7th December 2020
USA: Air conditioning and refrigeration distributors Johnstone Supply, APCO Inc and Allied Refrigeration have been recognised for their efforts to recycle mercury-containing thermostats.
The three companies were named as the most successful companies in the annual competition organised by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC). This industry-funded nonprofit organisation, recognises members of Heating Air-Conditioning Refrigeration Distributors International (HARDI) that collect the most mercury-containing thermostats.
This year’s Banish Mercury Off the Planet competition saw HARDI members recovering 222.95lb (101kg) of mercury from 166 member companies. More than 350 branch locations returned collection bins during the contest period from May 1 to October 31.
“The collection efforts of our wholesale partners demonstrate that even under trying and unique circumstances, there is a commitment from HARDI members to remain active in their support for recycling mercury-containing thermostats,” said Danielle Myers, operations and compliance manager, TRC. “Their contribution to the industry is not only a good business practice, but it also helps to keep our environment safer, and that’s good for everyone.”
Johnstone Supply recycled the most amount of mercury overall with 57.5lb (26kg). APCO was recognised for recycling the highest average pounds of mercury per branch with 2.8lb (1.27kg). Allied Refrigeration had the highest participation rate (41%) for distributors with more than 10 locations.
Thermostat Recycling Corporation was originally founded in 1998 by Honeywell, White-Rodgers, and General Electric as a voluntary venture. It was established to promote the safe collection and proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats. It is currently supported by 30 manufacturers.
More than 3,600 businesses and communities in 48 states are enrolled in TRC’s programme. Since its founding, TRC has collected more than 2.5 million mercury-containing thermostats that have kept 12 tons of mercury out of the waste stream.
