Dive Summary:

• California wants to increase the recycling rate of thermostats and have implemented new regulations to ensure the rate increases.
• Manufacturers must now collect and recycle over 32,500 thermostats during the remainder of this year, with the rate increasing each year, gearing up for 147,000 thermostats by 2017.
• The goals set forth by the California Department of Toxic Substances will affect manufacturers, recycling centers and wholesalers.

From the article:

In 2006, California banned the sale of new mercury-added thermostats, which is a hazardous waste that cannot be placed in the trash that goes to municipal landfills.