Thermostat recycling initiative begins in Oklahoma

Covanta Tulsa, Locke Supply and the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality (ODEQ) have partnered to provide what they say is a convenient way to responsibly recycle mercury-containing thermostats in Oklahoma. Citizens and contractors now will be able to deliver intact old thermostats to any Locke Supply location for recycling free of charge.

“Preventing toxics like mercury from entering the waste stream plays a critical role in protecting our environment and water supply,” says Patrick Riley, environmental programs manager, ODEQ land protection division. “Once in the waste stream, these thermostats may break and release mercury into the environment. This program will make a difference by protecting our environment and all Oklahomans from potential exposure to mercury.”

Mercury is a heavy metal that can represent a threat to human health and the environment when released into the environment.  An average wall thermostat contains 4 grams of mercury, which is the equivalent of 800 compact fluorescent lights. Covanta, Locke Supply and ODEQ say they are committed to protecting the state’s land, air and water. This program is designed to provide a safe way to prevent mercury from polluting the environment, according to the groups.

“Covanta Tulsa is a proud organizer and sponsor of the thermostat recycling program for the state and we are looking forward to the positive impact this program will have in the community,” says Matt Newman, business manager at Covanta Tulsa Renewable Energy LLC. “The Thermostat Recycling Initiative educates Oklahoma communities on the dangers of mercury while also providing a responsible way to recycle. This program is a prime example of collaboration between public and private organizations.”

Kyle Cline, Locke Supply director of HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) sales and branch operations, adds, “Locke Supply proudly serves Oklahoma and we look forward to helping with the Thermostat Recycling Initiative. We are committed to providing outstanding customer service and are pleased to participate in a program that is available to the state’s citizens and our customers. With Locke Supply locations available across Oklahoma, participants will find the locations of the thermostat recycling containers very convenient and accessible.”

Contractors and homeowners can deliver the out-of-use thermostats to any Locke Supply location across the state. The thermostat recycling containers are sent to the Thermostat Recycling Corp. (TRC). Participants also can contact their local HVAC contractor to recycle thermostats. The program only collects mercury-containing thermostats. For additional items such as battery, mercury thermometers, fluorescent light bulbs and other devices containing mercury, participants can contact the ODEQ land protection division at 405-702-5100.

Covanta Tulsa Renewable Energy LLC owns and operates Oklahoma’s only energy-from-waste (EfW) facility, processing more than 300,000 tons of municipal solid waste per year to generate up to 240,000 pounds-per-hour of steam. The steam is used to generate clean, renewable electricity and is delivered to an adjacent refinery, offsetting its need for fossil fuels to generate steam on-site. The facility also recovers thousands of tons of metals per year for recycling.

Locke Supply is a growing plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling, employee-owned distributor  in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on a 45-acre complex supplying more than 160 stores in a five-state trade.