The Product Stewardship Institute, the Thermostat Recycling Corp., both states and Portland General Electric is offering the year-long program that received a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Heating, ventilation and air conditioning contractors will receive a $3 rebate coupon in Indiana or a $4 rebate coupon in Oregon toward the purchase of a new, non-mercury qualified thermostat.

"PSI is testing other project with TRC that increase awareness and create new opportunities to recycled thermostats, but his project goes an extra step by offering contractors a financial incentive to protect the environment," said Scott Cassel, executive director of PSI.