Illinois Mercury Thermostat Collection Act

 4/30/10 - Passed out of both houses  Next step – Gets sent to Governor  No opposition

 Third year we’ve proposed legislation.  NGO support  Product Stewardship Institute project.

 Disposal Ban  Universal Waste  Contractor Requirements –  Must remove and recycle thermostats beginning 7/1/11  No contractor or person can remove any mercury thermostat unless they deliver it to a collection location  Can get collection containers if in a metro area with 7 technicians/installers or if they are in a rural area

 Must be a collection point beginning 7/1/11  Can’t sell or distribute ANY thermostats if they don’t participate  Have to distribute outreach materials to customers

 1/1/11 through 12/31/13 –  Create PSA and give to Agency  Establish and maintain website with educational materials for contractors and wholesalers  Contact wholesalers at least once a year to encourage their support and participation in educating customers on importance of and statutory requirements  Create and maintain a web-based program that allows contractors and consumers to identify collection sites by zip codes  Prepare and mail to contractor associations information on the program  Develop information and distribute those materials to trade publications, local media and stakeholder groups

 By 1/1/11 – Develop and update as necessary educational and other outreach materials for distribution to contractors, contractor associations, and consumers. Must include:  Posters and clings  Written materials or templates of written materials.  Must include information on the importance of properly managing out-of-service mercury thermostats and opportunities for the collection of those thermostats.  Provide an opportunity for the Agency and other stakeholders to offer.  Mid-term reports are required.  Number of mercury thermostats collected.  Listing of all collection sites in IL.  Annual reports required.

 Set collection goals  By 1/1/19 - Written report to governor and general assembly  Effectiveness of program  Estimate of amount remaining for collection  Recommend whether sunset date of 12/31/20 should be extended  Conduct outreach

 5K for the first year  15K for 2012, 2013, and 2014  By 11/1/2014 we set collection goals for 2015 –  Have to consider:  Effectiveness of collection programs in IL and other states.  Collection requirements in other states.  Reports or studies on the number of out-of-service mercury thermostats that are available for collection in IL, other states and nationally.  Other factors  Must consult with stakeholders  Our decision can be appealed to the Appellate Court.

 If goals aren’t met for 2013, 2015, or 2017 thermostat manufacturers must submit a revised collection plan for Agency review. We have 90 days to review.  Modifications may include  Improved education and outreach  Expansion in the number of collection locations  Modify roles of participants  $5 financial incentive (cash or coupon)  Agency has to consult with stakeholders.  Manufacturers have to implement approved or modified plan within 90 days.  If plan is not approved, manufacturers have 35 days to submit a revised plan.  Our decisions are appealable to the Illinois Pollution Control Board.

 Penalties  Manufacturer - $2,500 per day not tied to collection goals  Wholesalers, contractors or other person - $500/day not tied to collection goals