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Guide for Appliance Recyclers <br />June 2004 <br />Step 3: Remove the mercury thermocouple assembly by, first removing the bottom <br />of the heater and loosening the nut that is holding the probe in place near the gas <br />burner. <br />Source: Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, Environmental Assistance Division <br />(www. anrstate. vt. usrdec lead mercuglappman. pdY) <br />Step 4: Manage the mercury thermocouple assembly according to the guidelines <br />described in the section of this guide titled, "HANDLING AND RECYCLING MERCURY <br />SWITCHES." <br />Other Appliances <br />Residential and commercial appliances should be examined closely to identify whether <br />they contain a mercury switch. Such appliances as clothes dryers, microwave ovens, <br />refrigerators, air conditioners, and furnaces may contain tilt or thermoelectric switches. <br />The guidance supplied in this guide may be applicable to these other appliances, but it <br />is recommended that you contact the product manufacturer for product -specific <br />guidance. <br />Do I need to keep records of the mercury switches I remove from appliances? <br />Yes, you are required to keep records of the mercury switches removed from <br />appliances for three years. A sample form for keeping track of switches is provided in <br />Appendix B. The way you handle the switches and the records you keep will determine <br />how you may manage them. Although the mercury switches that are removed from <br />appliances are considered hazardous waste, they may be managed as universal waste. <br />Waste management will be discussed further below. <br />How should removed mercury switches be stored prior to recycling? <br />There are several things to keep in mind when collecting and storing mercury switches <br />for eventual recycling. <br />• Place removed switches in a leak -proof container that is in good condition. Use <br />a heavy plastic pail or container that has a tight -fitting lid. <br />• Do not use tin or aluminum containers; mercury can react with these metals and <br />can also leak through the seams of the containers. <br />M <br />