Next phase of Ontario electronics recycling program powers up

Starting April 1, Ontarians can recycle 44 electronic items including MP3 players, cameras, telephones, and radios at more than 500 approved sites

TORONTO, March 30 /CNW/ - Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) is making it easier for Ontarians to safely dispose of used electronics by launching the second phase of an ambitious recycling program.

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 Ontarians to bring their used, broken or unwanted electronic equipment for responsible reuse or recycling.

With new items being added to the list of accepted electronic waste, Ontarians can now safely recycle 44 electronic devices, such as MP3 players, cameras, telephones, VCR & DVD players and recorders, radios, and more.

"Recycling and reusing even more electronic waste is good for our environment and our economy," said the Hon. John Gerretsen, Ontario Minister of the Environment. "It ensures that potentially hazardous materials are kept out of our landfills, and it leads to new green jobs and investment in the recycling industry."

For the year starting April 1, 2010, OES plans to collect over 46,000 tonnes of unwanted electronics - that's enough to fill over 3,100 dump trucks. The year five goal is nearly 85,000 tonnes of waste 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," said Carol Hochu, OES 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. There is no better example than the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic medals which contain recycled metal from electronic waste.

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. To find your nearest OES-approved collection site visit 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. The program was developed with Waste Diversion Ontario, on behalf of the Ontario government.

Learn more:

www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca

www.dowhatyoucan.ca

www.wdo.ca

B-Roll available for download here:

http://cnw.pathfireondemand.com/viewpackage.action?packageid=336

For further information: On-site Event Media Contact: Laura Modesto, Veritas Communications, Email: [email protected], Phone: O: [phone], C: [phone]; Program Media Contact: Susan Logan, OES, Email: [email protected], Phone: O: [phone], C: [phone]