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Electronic Waste Recycling Program   |
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Electronic Waste Recycling Program
Like many other municipalities in Ontario, the Region of Waterloo faces two main challenges associated with the disposal and recovery of electronic waste – namely growing volume, and dealing with the potential hazardous nature of the material.
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 *According to Environment Canada, approximately 70,000 tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) was landfilled in Canada in 2003. This figure is expected to increase at a rate of 5% each year, as the average life of a computer is estimated at only 1-3 years, and consumers upgrade their systems with the latest technology. As well, some e-waste contains potentially hazardous materials. Some computer monitors contain lead oxide while printed circuit boards contain a range of heavy metals.
The Region is meeting these challenges by implementing a program to divert e-waste from landfill, and informing residents and local businesses about recycling options. Currently the program is in its final phase - ban from landfill and curbside collection.
As of June 6, 2005, all e-waste items listed below are no longer accepted for curbside pick-up or allowed to be landfilled.
Please do not place e-waste in your blue box or garbage, but rather, recycle your e-waste through one of the following options:
- Go to www.dowhatyoucan.ca to search for FREE e-waste recycling locations in the Region of Waterloo. By clicking on Electronics and searching by postal code, you can find the no charge collection site closest to your home. These e-waste collection sites have all been approved by the Ministry of Environment for participation in the province's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Program Plan, and are funded by the new fees paid when buying electronics. Please note that these locations are currently only accepting desktop/laptop computers and their accessories (CD/disk drives, keyboards, mice), monitors, desktop printers. fax machines and TVs.
- Take e-waste to the Waterloo or Cambridge Waste Transfer Stations. Fees will be charged on a per item basis: $10 an item for each of the first four e-waste items, and $25 for each additional e-waste item. These charges only apply to larger, heavier e-waste items; small e-waste items such as keyboards, mouse, cell phones, pagers, personal digital assistants, etc. can be dropped off at no charge.
- Old notebook computers, LCD monitors, or pocket PCs of any manufacturer can be recycled free of charge through Toshiba Canada. For these items ONLY, a UPS courier will pick up the shipment for free, and deliver you a free USB flash drive within 8 - 10 weeks as a thank you. For more information, please see the Toshiba Canada website.
- If you have recently purchased a new Dell computer or printer, you may be eligible for free recycling of your old equipment through Dell Canada. Your old computer or printer can be from any manufacturer. For terms and conditions, and the recycling request form, please visit the Dell Canada website.
- Sony of Canada Ltd. has expanded its recycling efforts to collect all end-of-life Sony products. To find out more about Sony's "Return Recycle Renew" program, visit Sony of Canada's website.
Note:
E-waste collected at Regional Facilities is not available to residents or businesses for re-use. |
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E-Waste Recycling List ***The following items are BANNED from landfill and curbside collection. |
$10 each for first 4 items
$25 each for all additional items | No Charge |
- Computer (CPU, hard drive)
- Monitor
- Laptop computer
- Printer
- Scanner
- UPS (uninterrupted power supply/battery back- up system)
- Video game console (e.g. Sega, Nintendo, etc.)
- VCR
- DVD player/writer
- Fax machine
- Tabletop Photocopier
- Audio/video equipment (e.g. stereo, camcorder, etc.)
- Electric typewriter
- Satellite receiver
- Stereo speaker
- Portable radios (e.g. boom box)
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- Network hardware
- Tape drive
- Disk drive
- Modem
- CD ROM
- DVD ROM
- CD writer
- Circuit board
- Keyboard
- Computer speaker
- Computer mouse
- Joystick
- Video game controller
- Camera (35 mm or digital)
- Telephone (cell or wired)
- Cell phone charger
- Wireless device (Palm, Blackberry, etc.)
- Pager
- Calculator
- Answering machine
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As always, our Waste Management staff will be happy to answer any questions you may have about e-waste.
Please contact us at 519-883-5100.
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