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Bill

S 6765

Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Pete Harckham and 1 co-sponsor

Requires manufacturers to fund and run a program to collect and properly dispose of mercury thermostats, preventing disposal in trash and reducing mercury pollution.

REPORTED AND COMMITTED TO FINANCE
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · S 6765

Summary of Bill S 6765 — Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats

Overview

Bill S 6765, titled “Relates to the proper collection and disposal of mercury thermostats,” focuses on ensuring safe and environmentally sound handling of mercury-containing thermostats. The bill is currently in committee stages, having been introduced on March 24, 2025, and progressing from Environmental Conservation to Finance.

Legislative status and timeline

  • Introduced: March 24, 2025
  • 2025-03-24: Referred to Environmental Conservation
  • 2025-04-02: Reported and Committed to Finance
  • Related actions and workflow suggest ongoing committee consideration before potential floor action

Purpose and intent

  • The bill aims to reduce mercury release and environmental contamination by improving the collection, recycling, and proper disposal of mercury thermostats.
  • It is part of broader efforts to manage hazardous thermostats and mitigate public health and environmental risks associated with mercury.

Key provisions (indicative framework based on the title and typical mercury thermostat bills)

Note: The exact text is not provided here. The following elements are commonly included in related legislation and are presented as the likely framework the bill would establish. The precise language and requirements should be confirmed in the bill’s statutory text.

  • Take-back and collection program
    • Require manufacturers to establish, fund, or participate in a program to collect and properly dispose of mercury thermostats removed from use.
  • Prohibition or restrictions on improper disposal
    • Prohibit the disposal of mercury thermostats with regular household or commercial waste, with penalties for noncompliance.
  • Reporting and recordkeeping
    • Establish ongoing reporting requirements for participating manufacturers and implementers, including volumes collected and disposed, and program performance metrics.
  • Administration and enforcement
    • Designate a state or agency administrator to oversee the program, set standards, and enforce compliance, including penalties or fines for violations.
  • Funding and governance
    • Create a funding mechanism (e.g., stewardship fees, producer responsibility) to finance collection, recycling, and administrative costs.
  • Consumer and stakeholder education
    • Mandate outreach to consumers and businesses about proper removal, storage, and disposal of thermostats containing mercury.
  • Data, tracking, and reporting milestones
    • Set milestones or timelines for program implementation, annual reporting, and program adjustments based on performance.

Who would be affected

  • Mercury thermostat manufacturers and distributors (through stewardship programs and funding obligations)
  • Retailers and service providers that handle thermostat replacements
  • Collection and recycling facilities handling used thermostats
  • State environmental or public health agencies administering the program
  • Local governments coordinating with the state program
  • Consumers and businesses replacing or disposing of thermostats

Potential impact

  • Environmental/public health benefits from reduced mercury emissions and safer disposal practices
  • Financial impact on manufacturers and distributors due to stewardship or funding requirements
  • Administrative responsibilities for program design, reporting, and compliance
  • Possible consumer education and outreach improvements regarding hazardous waste

Related bills

  • S 8936 (prior-session)
  • A 7166 (companion)
  • A 7166 (companion)

Next steps for readers

  • Review the bill’s full text to confirm exact provisions, deadlines, and funding mechanisms.
  • Monitor committee actions in Environmental Conservation and Finance for progression to floor action.
  • Consider cross-references with companion and related bills to understand broader legislative intent and potential amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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