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Press Release from Alberta Environment:
Alberta launches Canada's first provincial program for
e-recycling
Edmonton... Alberta is solidifying its reputation as a
leader in environmental management with the creation of the
first provincial electronic recycling program in Canada.
Effective October 1, 2004, televisions, computers and
related equipment currently going into Alberta's landfills
will be collected, reused, recycled and turned into new
products and economic opportunities for Albertans.
In 2004, more than 190,000 televisions and 90,000 desktop
computers will be discarded from Alberta households. These
electronics contain hazardous materials like lead and mercury
that can cause significant environmental and health risks
through potential soil or groundwater contamination if they
end up in Alberta landfills. However, managed properly, the
metals, glass and plastic in these used products can be
recycled into valuable products, including the next generation
of electronics.
"Albertans have been leaders in recycling and
environmental programs like this since 1972 when Alberta
introduced Canada's first provincial recycling program for
beverage containers," said Alberta Environment Minister
Lorne Taylor. "Albertans care deeply about the
environment, and have always demonstrated their willingness to
take personal responsibility to make a difference. This
program will just enable them - no matter where they live in
Alberta - to be make sure their old and used electronics are a
resource, not a risk, to future generations."
In the initial phase of the program, televisions, computer
monitors, CPUs, laptops, electronic notebooks and printers
will be accepted for recycling. An environmental fee, ranging
from $5 to $45, depending on the item, will be placed on each
product included in the program. The fee will cover the costs
of collection, transportation and recycling of electronics
material, education and awareness programs and electronics
recycling related research. Collection will be co-ordinated
through locally run depots and drop-off points across the
province.
A non-profit organization - the Alberta Recycling
Management Authority (ARMA) - will manage the province-wide
recycling program on behalf of Albertans. Alberta's existing
tire recycling program will be consolidated into ARMA in order
to gain greater efficiencies in managing the recycling system
across the province. ARMA will manage the recycling programs
through two separate divisions - Tire Recycling Alberta and
Electronics Recycling Alberta. Over time, ARMA may be expanded
to include recycling programs for other materials including
paint and hazardous household waste.
The e-recycling program is a key part of the Government of
Alberta's strategy to reduce the annual per capita waste going
to landfills from the current level of 750 kilograms per
person to 500 kilograms by 2010.
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For further information, contact:
Val Mellesmoen
Communications
Alberta Environment
(780) 427-6267
Outside of Edmonton, dial 310-0000 for toll-free
connection.
Backgrounder
May 6, 2004
Key elements of Alberta's E-recycling program
- In the initial phase of the program televisions,
computer monitors, CPUs (including keyboards, cables etc.),
laptops, notebook computers and printers will be accepted.
- Cell phones, stereos, VCRs, DVD players, electronic
games and fax machines are not currently eligible for
recycling, but may be included in the program at a later
date.
- The program will include electronics purchased prior to
the program's inception.
- The majority of Albertans who participated in
consultations indicated they would willingly take
electronics material to a recycling depot if one were
available in their area and would be willing to pay a
reasonable environmental fee at the point of purchase,
provided the funds collected were dedicated to recycling
electronics materials.
- Other provinces and territories are reviewing their
management of electronic materials, but there is no other
jurisdiction in Canada with a formal electronics recycling
program.
- The e-recycling program is scheduled to begin in
October 2004.
- Electronics will be a designated material under
Alberta's Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act.
-30-
For further information, contact:
Val Mellesmoen
Communications
Alberta Environment
(780) 427-6267
Outside of Edmonton, dial 310-0000 for toll-free
connection.
Backgrounder
May 6, 2004
Why does Alberta need an electronics recycling system?
Rapid advances in technology, consumer demand for new
products and a growing provincial population have accelerated
the amount of electronics waste being sent to Alberta
landfills.
Improved collection and management of electronic waste
will enhance the recovery of reusable resources and save
valuable landfill space. Electronic products contain hazardous
substances that can cause serious environmental and health
risks through potential soil and groundwater contamination if
they end up in Alberta landfills.
Electronic products contain varying amounts of hazardous
substances that may pose environmental and health risks if
improperly managed, including:
- Lead - Cathode Ray Tubes or "picture
tubes", used in most existing computer monitors and
televisions, are among the largest sources of lead in
municipal landfills. A 27" television contains
approximately four pounds of lead. In landfills, lead has
the potential to leach into groundwater systems,
accumulate in the environment and can cause harmful
effects on plants and animals.
- Mercury - Used to backlight the display screens of
LCD panels and laptop computers, mercury is volatile and
bioaccumulates in the environment. It is also found in
electronic switches and circuit boards.
- Cadmium - Found in the nickel-cadmium batteries used
in laptop computers, cadmium is toxic to freshwater fish,
invertebrates, and aquatic plants. It is most likely to
settle in bottom sediments and affect bottom-dwelling
aquatic life.
- PVC Plastics - Due to their flame retardant and
insulating properties, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics
are commonly used in electronics cabling, wiring and
housing. Burning PVC plastics produces dioxins and furans.
These components are not hazardous to the consumer using
the electronic product, it is only when the electronics are at
their end-of-life that the hazardous components become a
concern. The metals, glass and plastic found in electronics
can be separated, recycled and made into other useful
products, including the next generation of electronics.
Management of this waste stream is a growing challenge
for businesses, residents and communities. A recent survey
found that 98 per cent of Alberta households own at least one
television, and 72 per cent own computer equipment. The survey
indicates that, from households alone, more than 190,000
televisions and 90,000 desktop computers will be discarded in
Alberta over the next year.
- 30 -
For further information, contact:
Val Mellesmoen
Communications
Alberta Environment
(780) 427-6267
Outside of Edmonton, dial 310-0000 for toll-free
connection.
Backgrounder
May 6, 2004
E-recycling fees
Voluntary electronics recycling programs have been
successful in diverting some of Alberta's end-of-life
electronics from landfill. However, it has proven costly -
particularly for rural areas - to collect, transport and
recycle this material, making voluntary programs difficult to
sustain.
The provincial electronics recycling program will
provide Albertans with access to collection sites across the
province at no charge, as well as education and awareness
programs and electronics recycling related research.
The maximum environmental fees that can be charged for
products included in the first phase of the program are:
|
Item
|
Environmental fee
|
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Televisions
|
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18" and smaller
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$15.00
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19" to 29"
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$25.00
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30" to 45"
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$30.00
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46" and larger
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$45.00
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Computers and related equipment
|
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Laptops/electronic notebooks
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$5.00
|
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Printers/printer combos
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$8.00
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CPUs (including mouse, keyboard, cables, etc.)
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$10.00
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Computer monitors
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$12.00
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Over time, fees may drop as the program develops,
collection and processing efficiencies are realized, historic
material is processed and recycling markets grow and
stabilize.
The fees will cover the costs of collection,
transportation and recycling of electronic materials,
education and awareness programs and electronics recycling
related research.
For example, the fee breakdown on a 19" television
would be:
- Collection - $4.50
- Transportation - $10.00
- Processing - $7.50
- Operations - $3.00
Total - $25.00
Why does it cost more to recycle a television than a
computer monitor?
In general, televisions are larger and heavier than
computer monitors. Increased weight and size creates
additional costs for collection infrastructure, transportation
and material processing. It is also more costly to disassemble
televisions.
Who will collect the fees?
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) will
collect fees from wholesalers, distributors and retailers. It
is expected, but not required, that the fees will be passed on
to consumers at the point of purchase.
How can Albertans be sure the fees go toward recycling
programs?
- The environmental fee will go into a specific
electronics recycling program fund administered by the
Alberta Recycling Management Authority. ARMA will be
required to report annually to Albertans how the fund is
being used.
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For further information, contact:
Val Mellesmoen
Communications
Alberta Environment
(780) 427-6267
Outside of Edmonton, dial 310-0000 for toll-free
connection.
Backgrounder
May 6, 2004
Alberta Recycling Management Authority
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) will
be a multi-stakeholder board responsible for overseeing
provincially mandated recycling programs in Alberta, including
tire and electronic recycling.
Membership
The ARMA Board, a delegated administrative organization
created under the Environmental Protection and Enhancement
Act, will be comprised of members representing the following
organizations:
- Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and
Counties (AAMD&C)
- Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA)
- Association of Professional Engineers, Geologists and
Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA)
- Alberta Environment
- Environmental Services Association of Alberta (ESAA)
- Recycling Council of Alberta (RCA)
- Toxics Watch
In addition to representatives from these organizations,
the board will also include a public-at-large representative
serving as chair, and a representative of an industry/member
organization-at-large appointed by the Minister of Environment
for specified terms.
Role and Responsibilities of ARMA
- Public Board with accountability to the Government of
Alberta, membership and public
- Provides oversight of programs and initiatives
- Ensures an integrated approach to managing recycling
of designated materials
- Has final approval of programs, business plans,
budgets and annual reports
Divisions of ARMA
ARMA will consist of two divisions: Electronics
Recycling Alberta and Tire Recycling Alberta, each with
further representation from the electronics and tire sectors
respectively.
Electronics Recycling Alberta Role and Responsibilities
- Establishes and administers electronic recycling
programs and initiatives
- Prepares business plans, budgets and annual reports
related to electronic recycling
- Ensures operational checks and balances are in place
Tire Recycling Alberta Role and Responsibilities
- Establishes and administers tire recycling programs
and initiatives
- Prepares business plans, budgets and annual reports
related to tire recycling
- Ensures operational checks and balances are in place.
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