The second phase of Ontario’s electronics recycling program begins April 1 when more than 500 collection sites throughout the province start accepting a wider range of obsolete electronics. The first phase of the province’s collection program, begun April 1, 2009, targeted desktop and portable computers, computer peripherals, monitors, printers, fax machines and television sets. Through the second phase, residents can add a total of 44 electronic devices at drop-off sites throughout the province.
Beginning with the second phase, the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) plans to collect more than 46,000 metric tons of obsolete electronics. The OES says the goal for the fifth year is to collect 85,000 metric tons of obsolete electronics.
“Nearly four in five Ontario households (78 per cent) have at least one electronic product that is not working or not being used. This program makes recycling easier and encourages consumers and businesses to do what they can to help,” says Carol Hochu, OES’s executive director. “The reason to participate is simple – it helps keep hazardous electronic equipment out of landfill, which leads to a greener, healthier environment.” In addition, the program recovers valuable resources such as precious and base metals.”
For residents of Ontario, click here to find the nearest collection location at www.dowhatyoucan.ca and choose Electronics.
The electronic equipment recycling program is funded by fees paid to OES by manufacturers and importers of electronics in Ontario. Funds are used exclusively to pay for collection, transportation, consolidation, and processing of waste electronics as well as research and consumer education programs to encourage greater electronic equipment recycling. OES is the industry organization responsible for developing and implementing the province-wide electronic waste recycling program according to the Waste Diversion Act, 2002.