Can I Recycle My Thermostat?

Updated: 4/10/25

By: Arnie Meyer*, CX, Director Operational Excellence and Committee Chair of the Thermostat Recycling Corp

Bulky computer monitors. Outdated televisions. A fax machine circa 1995. You know them and have owned them, but what happens to these electronic relics when they reach the end of their lifespan?

As our appetite for new electronics grows, so does the need for responsible disposal. Recycling e-waste not only keeps hazardous materials out of landfills but also reduces the demand for mining heavy metals and lessens the environmental impact of doing so.

I’ve been with Honeywell, and now Resideo, for 27 years and am proud of our past but even more excited about our future. At Resideo, we’re committed to tackling the real challenges facing our planet and working alongside our partners to make a meaningful impact in the world. I invite you to explore our efforts in the 2023 Resideo Environmental, Social and Governance report, where you’ll see how we’re driving sustainability and shaping the future of smart, responsible living.

I’m an avid cyclist as it affords me the chance to enjoy our planet and focus on making a better sustainable future for generations.

Types of Thermostats

You may be surprised to learn what qualifies as e-waste, including your old thermostat. There are three main types of thermostats, and each requires a different recycling approach:

	- Thermostats with mercury: These older models, which use a dial or lever to adjust the temperature, often contain mercury and must be disposed of at a designated drop-off location. While they are safe to use as long as the mercury ampule remains intact, exposure to mercury vapor can be harmful to your health. Although no longer manufactured, these thermostats must be properly recycled when replaced, as required by law. At specialized recovery sites, the mercury vessels are carefully removed, and the mercury is separated from the glass. The mercury then undergoes a stabilizing treatment that converts it from its elemental form to mercury sulfide before it is processed for final disposal.
	- Programmable thermostats:These thermostats are typically made from high-impact polystyrene and contain various electronic components, as well as two alkaline batteries. The EPA provides guidelines for proper disposal of alkaline batteries to help minimize environmental impact.
	- WiFi thermostats: Designed for smart connectivity, WiFi-enabled thermostats are made from high-impact polystyrene and polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. At recovery sites, their plastics and metals are separated, processed and resold for reuse through resource recovery services. Unlike programmable models, WiFi thermostats do not contain alkaline batteries.

How to Safely Recycle your Thermostat

Whether you’ve already removed your old thermostat or are planning to replace it soon, consider one of these safe recycling options:

• Contact a HVAC professional: A licensed technician can properly uninstall and recycle your old thermostat.
• Use an industry-approved drop-off location: Find a certified recycling site in the U.S. or in Canada to ensure proper disposal.
• Check with local retailers: Many stores offer free e-waste recycling. You can also explore local recycling programs through Keep America Beautiful.

The Recycling Process: U.S. and Canada

In both the U.S. and Canada, recovered thermostat materials like plastics, metals and electronic components are processed through resource recovery services to maximize sustainability impact. In the U.S., plastics and metals are carefully sorted and recycled while electronic and electrical components are recovered for use in other ways. This method differs in Canada, where the recycling process follows a more structured approach:

• First, batteries are removed before the thermostats are sent to specialized processors.
• Devices are then dismantled, shredded and sorted into key recyclable materials:
  • Shredded plastic is sent to Canadian plastic recyclers
  • Shredded circuit boards are processed at Canadian smelters to recover valuable metals.
  • Shredded steel and non-ferrous metals are directed to Canadian metal recyclers.

Notably, e-waste generation per person in Canada increased from 8.3 kilograms in 2000 to 25.3 kilograms in 2020, with projections reaching 31.5 kilograms by 2030, which underscores the need for responsible recycling practices. By ensuring plastics, metals and electronic components are responsibly processed, both the U.S. and Canada can support a more sustainable circular economy that reduces waste and maximizes material reuse.

History and Impact of Recycling

Until the early 2000s, HVAC manufacturers commonly used mercury in thermostats to control heating and cooling systems in homes and buildings. To address the safe disposal of these devices, thermostat manufacturers in the U.S. established the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) in 1998. A similar initiative, the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP), was launched in Canada in 2006.

According to the TRP, an older thermostat can contain one to four mercury vessels, with each vessel holding approximately 2.5 grams of mercury. Together, the TRC and TRP have collected nearly three million mercury-containing thermostats and loose vessels. This amounts to more than 13 tons of mercury that have been safely extracted, collected and disposed of.

The TRC keeps track of thermostat collection laws, which vary by state, Based on 2024 data, the following list ranks states by the number of thermostats collected, from highest to lowest.

Note: Data was not recorded for Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Mississippi, New Mexico and Wyoming in 2024.

More Ways to Be Green

As a founding member of the TRC, Resideo is proud to support its mission of safely recycling thermostats. We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our operations and products to help create a more sustainable future.

Beyond recycling, we continue to innovate with smart thermostat technology that helps customers manage their energy use more efficiently, access cleaner energy and conserve both resources and money.

Looking to save even more? Find and unlock rebates or incentives from your local utility or conduct an in-home energy audit to identify additional savings. With more ENERGY STAR^®-rated products than any other company, Resideo is here to support your sustainability journey.  Visit our energy solutions page to learn more.

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**Arnold 'Arnie' Meyer is based in Minnesota and is a Customer Experience Director focusing on Operational Excellence & Strategic Initiatives for Resideo and its brand of products. Arnie held senior-level Inside Sales, Customer Care and Product Support positions. Arnie chairs the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) Board of Directors, of which Resideo (previously Honeywell) is a founding member.