Bill
A 7166
Bill A 7166 mandates safe collection and disposal of mercury thermostats, protecting public health and the environment by reducing toxic mercury hazards.
Bill Number: A 7166
Title: Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats
Status: Referred to Environmental Conservation
Introduced: March 21, 2025
Classification: Bill
Bill A 7166 aims to establish clear guidelines for the collection and disposal of mercury thermostats. The primary intent of the bill is to mitigate environmental hazards associated with mercury, a toxic substance that poses significant health risks when improperly disposed of. By regulating the disposal process, the bill seeks to promote public health and environmental safety.
The bill includes several important provisions:
Collection Programs: The bill mandates the establishment of collection programs for mercury thermostats. These programs will facilitate the safe return of old thermostats to designated collection points.
Disposal Standards: It sets forth standards for the proper disposal of mercury thermostats to ensure that they are handled in a manner that minimizes environmental contamination.
Public Awareness Campaigns: The bill encourages the implementation of public awareness campaigns to educate consumers about the dangers of mercury and the importance of proper disposal.
Partnerships with Retailers: It proposes partnerships with retailers and manufacturers to create convenient drop-off locations for consumers to return their old thermostats.
The following groups would be directly impacted by the provisions of Bill A 7166:
Consumers: Homeowners and businesses that use mercury thermostats will be required to participate in the collection programs for safe disposal.
Retailers and Manufacturers: Companies that sell or manufacture mercury thermostats will need to collaborate with the state to facilitate collection and disposal efforts.
Environmental Agencies: State and local environmental agencies will be responsible for overseeing the implementation of the bill's provisions and ensuring compliance.
Current Status: As of March 21, 2025, the bill has been referred to the Environmental Conservation Committee for further consideration.
Related Legislation: Bill A 7166 is related to prior-session Bill A 10586 and has a companion bill in the Senate, S 6765, which may address similar issues regarding mercury thermostat disposal.
Bill A 7166 represents a proactive approach to addressing the environmental and health risks associated with mercury thermostats. By establishing collection and disposal protocols, the bill aims to protect both public health and the environment from the dangers posed by mercury. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its provisions will be critical in shaping effective waste management practices for hazardous materials.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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