ORS 459.900: Thermostats and motor vehicle switches containing mercury; disposal; findings.

(1) The Legislative Assembly finds that mercury is a potent neurotoxin that can cause long-lasting health problems. In order to reduce the amount of mercury entering the environment from the solid waste stream: (a) A manufacturer of thermostats that contain mercury: (A) Shall make available a program for the collection of such thermostats to be managed as a universal waste. (B) Shall provide incentives for and sufficient information to purchasers of thermostats to ensure that the mercury contained in the thermostats does not become part of the solid waste stream. (C) Is not liable for improper disposal of thermostats containing mercury by consumers if the manufacturer complies with this paragraph. (b) A person may not crush a motor vehicle without first attempting to remove mercury light switches that are mounted on the hood or trunk of the vehicle. The mercury light switches removed from motor vehicles under this paragraph are subject to the universal waste management standards adopted by the Environmental Quality Commission. (2) For purposes of this section, “thermostat” means a device commonly used to sense and, through electrical communication with heating, cooling or ventilation equipment, control room temperature. [2001 c.924 §1]