If you’re considering breaking laws when dealing with hazardous waste — including mishandling mercury containing thermostats — think again. A California law recently raised the maximum penalty to $70,000, a whopping 180 percent increase over the previous $25,000 fine.

The civil penalty, passed last fall, can be levied “for each separate violation or, for continuing violations, for each day that violation continues.”

“This legislation establishes a huge increase from the previous penalty and raises the stakes for companies or individuals who might have ignored previous warnings that California is serious about safeguarding the environment and citizens from hazardous waste,” said Ryan Kiscaden, executive director, Thermostat Recycling Corp.