About the Program

Launched in 2006 with the goal of encouraging the uptake of newer, more energy efficient programmable thermostats, the Thermostat Recovery Program (TRP) is Canada's safe and responsible collection and disposal service for unwanted mercury-containing and electronic thermostats.

In pursuit of residential and commercial energy savings in the early 2000’s, there was a rapid increase in programmable thermostat installations in combination with a lack of awareness on the harmful effects of mercury, resulting in the disposal of numerous unwanted mercury-containing thermostats in landfills.

It takes only 1 gram of mercury to contaminate an eight-hectare lake to the point of making the inhabiting fish unsafe for consumption for a year. An older thermostat can have 1-4 mercury switches, each containing 2.5 grams of this persistent, bioaccumulative, neurotoxic heavy metal. 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. Making this efficient thermostat transition reduces energy consumption, greenhouse gas emissions, and prevents mercury from contaminating our air, soil, and water.

With over 1,775 collection points across the country, HRAI works closely with thermostat manufacturers, as well as HVACR wholesalers and contractors, municipal collection depots, recycling centers, Purolator, and the program’s recycling partner, Aevitas Inc., to deliver this program Canada-wide. Please see the Program Facilitators page for a list of supporting thermostat manufacturers and distributors.

Participating in our Thermostat Recovery Program is an easy, safe and FREE way to help reduce the human health and environmental threats posed by mercury. To register, just fill out our short online Registration Form.

To dispose of your unwanted thermostats, find a Public Drop-Off Location near you!

Have a question? Please read our Frequently Asked Questions or contact the TRP team.