Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats

• Democratic1

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Pete Harckham says this is needed

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that can be highly toxic to humans, depending on its chemical form. Through environmental processes, mercury cycles between elemental, inorganic, and organic forms. Elemental mercury is a silvery, odorless liquid and is the form commonly found in older household items such as thermometers and thermostats. Improper disposal of mercury-containing devices, such as mercury thermo- stats, can result in increased amounts of mercury being deposited in the environment. Mercury-containing thermostats can contain between three and four grams of elemental mercury. Because of this relatively large amount of mercury per device, proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats must be a priority. Mandatory extended producer responsibility laws, like the Mercury Ther- mostat Collection Act, are proven to provide industry funding for waste collection that is dedicated and sustainable. This proposed amendment to extend and improve the existing legislation will ensure an ongoing, enhanced, and financially sufficient program. The sales prohibition under the state's separate Mercury Added Consumer Products Law has banned mercury thermostats from being sold in the state since 2012. Given the average life of a mercury thermostat of 30-50 years, a manda- tory program extension to 2050, combined with a manufacturer funded consumer financial return incentive, greatly improved outreach, and an improved convenience standard, should effectively bring about the collection of most of the mercury thermostats still on the walls in the state. Evidence of collection efforts by the Thermostat Recycling Corporation (TRC) in other states, such as Vermont and Maine provide support for the implementation of a financial incentive. Per capita collection in Vermont and Maine is much higher than in New York State, despite the much smaller population and geography of the former states. This has been attributed to the presence of a financial incentive and focused education and outreach efforts. California is the most recent state to amend its existing mercury thermostat collection program, with the establishment of a $30 per thermostat financial return incentive. The Center for Sustainable Materials Management (CSMM) at SUNY Environ- mental Science and Forestry has recently published a report where they reviewed and compared the collection results of states with mandatory mercury thermostat collection programs, with a focus on New York State's program. The CSMM report is consistent with the proposed legislative changes and recommends New York State include the establishment of a financial return incentive, convenience improvement, and to increase education and outreach.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.