Out with the old, in with new: Samsung Canada survey reveals that despite 1 in 4 Canadians gifting new electronics, old technology is still not being recycled properly

TORONTO, Dec. 19, 2012 /CNW/ - Although almost 10 million Canadians (28%) say they are likely to gift new electronics this holiday season, the concept of "out with the old, in with the new" isn't being closely followed. A recent Samsung Canada survey revealed that many Canadians may not know what to do with their old electronics or e-waste; 1 in 3 respondents (35%) say their old electronics are just gathering dust stored in their homes, while 1 in 10 admit to throwing their e-waste into the garbage. E-waste can contain hazardous materials and presents special challenges when it comes to end-of-life disposal.

"Almost 10 million Canadians are likely to give electronic gifts this holiday season, but at the same time, we're seeing that close to the same number of Canadians may not know what to do with old electronics," said Andrew Barrett, VP Marketing for Samsung Canada. "Samsung is passionate about e-waste recycling, so this holiday season as Canadians unwrap new electronics, we want to remind everyone about its importance."

After the last pieces of gift wrapping paper have settled post-holidays, take the time to round up those old or obsolete electronics for responsible recycling. The Samsung Recycling Direct program offers more than 40 convenient year-round e-waste drop-off depots across Canada. In 2012, Samsung helped recycle more than 1.3 million pounds of e-waste across the country.

Visit samsung.com/hopeforchildren for a list of Samsung Recycling Direct depot locations across Canada.

Other interesting trends revealed from the survey include:

• Men are more likely than women to give electronics as gifts this holiday season (33% of men vs 24% of women)
• BC and Alberta residents are most likely to give electronics as gifts (both provinces at 32% vs 28% national average)
• Albertans are most likely to store their old e-waste at home (45% vs. 35% national average)
• Respondents age 18-34 were most likely to give electronics as gifts (32% vs. 28% national average) and to store old e-waste at home (54% vs. 35% national average)
• BC residents are most likely to recycle their e-waste (63% vs. 48% national average)

About the Survey

From December 11th to December 12th 2012 an online survey was conducted among 1,004 randomly selected Canadian adults who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region (and in Quebec language) Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding. The estimates of the total number of Canadians noted are a percentage of the current population, corresponding to the survey results.

About Samsung Canada Electronics Canada Inc.

Samsung Electronics Canada enables Canadians to "Pursue their Passions" by offering a broad range of award-winning digital consumer electronics, IT, telecommunications and home appliance products for consumers and businesses. The Canadian arm upholds Samsung's global mission to provide users premium experiences that are unparalleled due to Samsung's innovative technology and stylish design. As a result, Samsung has become a true leader in the electronics industry both in terms of business leadership and brand strength. In 2012, Samsung was ranked #9 in the Interbrand "100 Best Global Brands" breaking the top ten for the first time, and was named as one of Fast Company's "50 Most Innovative Companies of 2011".

SOURCE: Samsung Electronics Canada Inc.

For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com

Follow Samsung Canada at facebook.com/SamsungCanada or on Twitter @SamsungCanada.

For press inquiries, please contact:

Paul Cartwright
North Strategic for Samsung Canada
647-969-7285 
[email protected]

Beth McSherry
North Strategic for Samsung Canada
647-961-4099
[email protected]