Making manufacturers responsible for mercury thermostats

September 1, 2008

In 2008 Vermont became the second state in the nation to require manufacturers to share responsibility for the proper disposal of mercury-containing thermostats.  Thermostat manufacturers are required to pay a $5 bounty to Vermonters who turn in mercury-containing thermostats to be recycled. The bill set a goal of reclaiming 65 percent of the thermostats and requires the Mercury Advisory Committee to report on whether it should be expanded to review additional toxic substances.  This could be a terrific first step in addressing the issue of chemical regulation in a more comprehensive and precautionary way.