CA AB707

Recasts the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2008 as the Mercury Thermostat Collection Act of 2021, requiring manufacturers to contract with qualified nonprofits to develop collection programs for out-of-service mercury thermostats by March 1, 2022.

Requires qualified third parties to establish convenient collection locations (within 15 miles for 90% of residents and at least one per county), conduct educational outreach campaigns, and provide collection incentives of at least $30 per thermostat to consumers and service technicians who attest to California residency.

Mandates manufacturers pay $400,000 annually to the Department of Toxic Substances Control (until March 30, 2028) for regulatory costs, with funds deposited in a new Mercury Thermostat Collection Program Fund, and requires additional payments to qualified third parties for program implementation and education campaigns.

Imposes a sales ban on thermostats produced by noncompliant manufacturers 120 days after the department posts notice on its website, with wholesalers and retailers required to monitor compliance.

Establishes sunset date of January 1, 2030, and requires the department to report to the Legislature by January 1, 2028 on program status and repeal all prior regulations implementing the 2008 Act.