Iowa Code Title XI. Natural Resources [Chs. 455-485] § 455D.16. Mercury--thermostats

1. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires, “mercury-added thermostat” means a product or device that uses a mercury switch to sense and control room temperature through communication with heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning equipment. “Mercury-added thermostat” includes thermostats used to sense and control room temperature in residential, commercial, industrial, and other buildings but does not include thermostats used to sense and control temperature as part of a manufacturing process.

2. A person shall not sell, offer for sale, or install a mercury-added thermostat in this state.

3. Except as otherwise provided, a person who generates a discarded mercury-added thermostat shall manage the mercury-added thermostat as a hazardous waste or universal hazardous waste, according to all applicable state and federal regulations. A contractor who replaces or removes mercury-added thermostats shall assure that any discarded mercury-added thermostat is subject to proper separation and management as hazardous waste or universal hazardous waste. A contractor who replaces a mercury-added thermostat in a residence shall deliver the mercury-added thermostat to an appropriate collection location for recycling.