Next phase of Ontario electronics recycling program powers up

As of April 1, Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) launched the second phase of their recycling program, which means that Ontarians can now recycle a total of 44 electronic items, including MP3 players, cameras, telephones, and radios.
The goal of the program is to collect and divert waste electronics from landfill by making recycling easier for Ontarians. A network of more than 500 approved collection points across the province allows citizens to bring their used, broken or unwanted electronic equipment in for responsible reuse or recycling.
For the year starting April 1, 2010, OES plans to collect over 46,000 tonnes of unwanted electronics. The year five goal is nearly 85,000 tonnes of waste electronics.

“Nearly four in five Ontario households (78 percent) 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,” said Carol Hochu, OES Executive Director.

Ontarians can now bring their used electronics to a variety of municipal, not-for-profit, retail and other types of depots and special event days. A list of approved collection sites can be found at www.dowhatyoucan.ca/electronics.
According to OES, the electronic equipment recycling program is funded by fees paid to the organization 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 for research and consumer education programs.

Visit: www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca or www.wdo.ca for more.