Electronics Waste: Making Mountains
out of Megabytes

---

These days, it's often cheaper and more convenient to buy a new PC than to upgrade an old one. But what happens to those old computers once they've been abandoned for newer models? Before heading for the dumpster, there are things you should know about clearing your home of an old computer in the most environmentally friendly way.

Discarded equipment stored at a designated collection site prior to transport to a processing/recycling facility.
(Photo: courtesy Electronic Recycling Association)

Rapid advances in technology, consumer demand for new products and a growing population have accelerated the amount of electronic waste being sent to landfills across Canada and the world. But many Canadians aren't aware that the technological marvels they rely on for both work and entertainment are an environmental liability when disposed of improperly. Electronic products contain substances, such as lead and mercury, that can create environmental and health risks if not managed properly. They also contain recoverable resources such as metals, glass and plastic that can be recycled into other products.

It's estimated that more than 272,000 tonnes of computer equipment, phones, televisions, stereos and small home appliances accumulate in Canadian landfills each year. That's equivalent to the weight of about 36,000 adult African elephants or enough uncrushed electronic waste to fill up the Toronto Skydome every 15 years.

Not right for anyone's back yard: A computer garbage pile.

Canadians seeking out "green" computers

A study conducted last year by POLLARA Inc. for Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. revealed that 88 percent of Canadians are willing to spend more on consumer electronics that are energy-efficient, produce less waste and are made of recycled materials, with respondents citing the environment as a primary concern. In fact, a large majority (96 percent) prefer purchasing products that can be recycled, while 92 percent prefer buying products that are manufactured using environmentally conscious processes.

In response to the growing need to safely manage obsolete electronic equipment and promote recovery strategies, Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) is working with Environment Canada, provincial governments and the electronics industry to seek out cost-efficient ways to implement a national initiative for the recycling of end-of-life electronics. The goal is to enable consumers to recycle their obsolete computers, televisions and other electronics, rather than adding them to the landfills. So far, Alberta and Saskatchewan have passed legislation for collecting and sorting obsolete electronics, and other provinces are expected to follow suit over the next few years.

In addition, Electronics Product Stewardship Canada, a not-for-profit organization founded by leading electronics manufacturers, is developing a national electronics end-of-life program. Its goal is to arrive at a national program with standard environmental handling fees and reporting across the country, while still allowing for provincial flexibility. This model is in place today in many European countries and is considered a key element in successful program implementation.

Canada has two smelters that can process the metals coming from end-of-life electronics. The Noranda Horne Smelter in Quebec processes printed circuit boards to recover precious metals and copper, and TeckCominco, in Trail, B.C., recovers metals such as zinc, lead, cadmium and indium. Noranda also has a partnership with Hewlett Packard, where obsolete electronics are collected in the United States, disassembled and then sent to the Horne Smelter for processing.

The Alberta experience

Alberta introduced a comprehensive electronics-recycling program in 2004. Electronics Recycling Alberta (ERA), a division of the non-profit Alberta Recycling Management Authority, manages the program and oversees the actual recycling activity. ERA gives residents access to more than 100 municipal collection sites, drop-off points and e-roundups to help them dispose of their older electronics.

ERA estimates that as many as 190,000 televisions and 90,000 desktop computers were discarded from Alberta households over the past year. An environmental fee — the Advance Disposal Surcharge — funds the program. The fee ranges from $5 for laptops and electronic notebooks, $10 for computer CPUs and $25 for common television sizes, to a maximum of $45 for big-screen televisions of 46 inches or more. It is charged to the customer at the point of sale.

The fee funds the collection, transportation and recycling of the electronic material, as well as program operations, including public awareness and research-related activities, such as improved technologies for recycling.

The end-of-life electronics are stored at designated collection sites, then transported to a disassembly facility where they are broken down into metals, glass and plastic, so that they can be more easily processed. In some cases, these materials may be used in the next generation of electronics.

Where can I recycle my old electronics?

Although there is no formal collection system for end-of-life electronics across Canada, provincial governments and some municipalities are exploring ways to economically collect, sort and disassemble obsolete electronics. Many communities offer "take-it-back days" for various products, including used electronics, or have a "take-it-back" program that offers a directory of participating retailers. Check with your municipality for more information on what's available in your community. Some electronic equipment manufacturers, such as Apple and Dell, accept end-of-life equipment for recycling. Manufacturers must be contacted for shipping and cost guidelines, and recycling fees are required.

Not everything has to be thrown out or even recycled. Reuse opportunities do exist for older electronic products. Working computers and other equipment can be donated to local charities, youth groups and the Computers for Schools program.

The last byte …

"The electronics reuse and recycling issue is a complex one that will require cooperation and commitment from all stakeholders," says Michael Clapham, Senior Policy Advisor, Recyclable Materials, NRCan. " NRCan will continue to work in partnership with industry and other stakeholders to help foster an industry solution in Canada that is environmentally and economically sound."

For more information, visit NRCan's Canadian Recycling Web Site.