Quote:
Originally Posted by LIGuyandGal
I replaced two old thermostats with new electronic ones; however, since the old ones have ampules of mercury, I'm pretty sure I can't just toss it in the trash.
I thought home depot or lowes would take them but their recylcing bins only list batteries and flourescent/CFL bulbs. Do I have to send them some where or pack them in a special way for regular garbage pick up?
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OMG - mercury - do you realize the IMPACT this could have on the environment? Do you realize what would happen if ALL of us upgraded to digital thermostats and simply tossed out the old ones?
PLEASE dispose of your old mercury thermostat properly by following the steps below:
1) place the old thermostat in a plastic bag
2) place the plastic bag containing the thermostat in a Maxwell House coffee can (important - it MUST be Maxwell House can) - fill the space in the can with popcorn - put the plastic lid on the can
3) at exactly 1:45AM EST on any day Monday-Friday take the can and head out to the rear corner of your yard
4) using a garden shovel, dig a hole exactly 12" in diameter 18 1/2" deep
5) place the can in the hole and proceed to fill the hole with the dirt earlier excavated
6) return to your house - keeping the lights off - and clean your shoes of any dirt - put your clothes in the washing machine
7) pray that no one saw you and reports you as some worthless government employee from some useless government agency is likely to make it their life's goal to crawl up your $&# and make you pay for the environmental damage you have done