Thermostat Recycling Corp. is about to begin its fourth annual Big Man On Planet competition.

Held in partnership with Heating Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Distributors International, the contest runs May 1 through Oct. 31. All HARDI member HVAC market wholesalers are eligible to participate.

Winners will receive $500 and are to be recognized at the HVAC sales organization’s December annual conference in Orlando, Fla. Previous winners have included Corken Steel Products, Crescent Parts & Equipment and Johnstone Supply.

“HARDI is proud of its members for their participation in the annual Big Man on the Planet program and we look forward to another strong year,” said HARDI Chief Executive Officer Talbot Gee. “Our continued success eliminating harmful mercury from the waste stream demonstrates the commitment HARDI members have to their communities. We value our partnership with TRC and continue to support their efforts.”

Mark Tibbetts, executive director of the nonprofit HVAC construction manufacturer-supported group, said the annual contest has been very successful.

“Last year’s BMOP competition increased distributor participation by 75 percent, helping TRC divert more than 250 pounds of mercury from solid waste,” Tibbetts said.

HARDI members can sign up at www.thermostat-recycle.org/BMOP and more details are available at www.thermostat-recycle.org.