The program, which will run from April 16 through May 29, is designed to encourage the proper handling and disposal of these mercury-containing devices. The gift card will be valid for use in the ReStore Chantilly warehouse during the same time period of the mercury thermostat collection.
From April 16 – May 29, the first 400 Fairfax County residents who turn in old mercury thermostats will receive the $5 gift card. Thermostats will be accepted from Fairfax County residents at Habitat for Humanity ReStore warehouse.
The recent program is in line with Virginia legislation, passed earlier this year, that requires the Virginia Waste Management Board to adopt regulations to encourage the recycling of thermostats containing mercury.
The bill also authorizes localities to prohibit the disposal of mercury thermostats in any privately operated landfill within its jurisdiction, so long as the locality has implemented a recycling program that is capable of handling all of the mercury thermostats within the jurisdiction.
Michael Renga, business manager of Covanta Fairfax, said: “Covanta has taken an active role in reducing mercury from the waste stream by working with local governments and sponsoring local mercury thermostat bounty programs.
”By taking advantage of this program and replacing an old mercury-based thermostat with a new non-mercury programmable one, residents can help the environment by insuring the proper disposal of mercury as well as improve the energy efficiency of their home.”
