The Agency of Natural Resources is urging Vermonters to recycle their old mercury thermostats instead of throwing them away.
Mercury is a neurotoxin that can accumulate in the environment and poses a threat to human health if ingested by people.
Last year Vermont passed a law that requires manufacturers of mercury-containing thermostats to set up collection programs and provide a financial incentive of $5 to homeowners who turn them in.
Now a number of retail and municipal organizations recycle the thermostats for an in-store credit or mail-in coupon for a $5 check.