SWITCH THE 'STAT

Canada's Thermostat Recycling Program

Switch the 'Stat is a thermostat replacement and collection program delivered in partnership with the Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI). This program is currently active in Ontario, British Columbia and Manitoba.

Challenge

An older mercury-containing thermostat can contain between 2.5 and 10 grams of mercury. It takes only one gram of mercury to contaminate an eight-hectare lake to the point where the fish in the lake are inedible for one year. With the recent uptake of programmable thermostats, mercury-containing thermostats were being disposed of in household waste and ending up in the landfill. When mercury-containing thermostats end up in landfills the mercury can contaminate water sources, including ponds, lakes and rivers.

As of July 1, 2010, the British Columbia government requires the manufacturers of thermostats to establish a collection program that responsibly recycles mercury-containing and electronic thermostats. The province of Manitoba also has a similar requirement for mercury-containing thermostats.

Summerhill Impact (formerly Clean Air Foundation) launched Switch the 'Stat in 2006 as a voluntary initiative. The goal of this program was to encourage the uptake of more energy efficient programmable thermostats and to provide a safe and responsible disposal option for older mercury-containing thermostats. We now deliver the collection and recycling program on behalf of thermostat manufacturers to help them meet their waste management obligations.

Strategy

Switch the 'Stat is funded by the thermostat manufacturers through HRAI. The main collection channel for recovering thermostats is through a network of HVAC contractors and wholesalers. Additional collection channels such as return-to-retail events and the send-back option provide additional options to participate in Switch the 'Stat. Summerhill Impact works with Purolator to ship the thermostats, and Aevitas and Tri-Arrow to process the collected thermostats and ensure that the mercury and other materials are all responsibly recycled.

Impact Results:

• Since 2006, Switch the 'Stat has collected 40, 446 thermostats and 63, 633 mercury switches. This represents more than 159 kilograms of mercury diverted from the landfill.
• 2010 Collection results – 17, 384 thermostats and 28,103 mercury switches were collected in British Columbia and Ontario; this represents more than 70 kilograms of mercury.

Did you know?

• Tuna (Ahi), Shark, Swordfish, Tilefish, Orange Roughy and Marlin contain the highest levels of mercury
• Mercury is especially a concern to young children and women of child-bearing age because it can inhibit the development of the brain and nervous system
• Mercury thermostats are no longer being manufactured by major manufacturers

Partners & Funders

WEBSITE ⇒ www.switchthestat.ca