RECYCLING
PROGRESS REPORT
*Kgs. Recovered Per Capita; **Cost Per Kg. Recovered; 2011-16
RECYCLING RESULTS
The chart presents results over the last five years. The amount recycled this year is 6.5% lower than the prior year, continuing a trend of lower recycling volumes in the electronics industry. As the majority of heavier, older model TVs and monitors have been recycled, increasing numbers of newer, lighter units are showing up for recycling.
KEEPING EVEN MORE ELECTRONICS OUT OF THE LANDFILL
The Government of Alberta is considering changes to the Electronics Program that could see over 250 products ranging from small appliances such as microwaves and toasters to vacuum cleaners, curling irons and power tools added to the Program. Albertans have been so committed to recycling their old TVs and computer equipment that in a recent poll they indicated they want to keep more electronics out of the landfill.
77%
OF ALBERTANS SUPPORT EXPANSION OF THE PROGRAM
ENVIRONMENTAL FEES AT WORK
The environmental fees paid on the purchase of new electronics are used to help fund their collection and recycling along with other Program-related costs (see pie chart). There are 1,510 businesses (Suppliers) registered with Alberta Recycling to ensure that these fees are remitted on every TV and computer sold in Alberta. Alberta Recycling values the commitment of these Suppliers who diligently remit the fees for the recycling of end-of-life electronics.
Collection and recycling of electronics
Program management
R&D; Program awareness
ALBERTANS SUPPORT THE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM
Every year Albertans are polled to measure support for both the Program and the environmental fees charged on the sale of new TVs and computer equipment. This year results indicate Program support remains strong but support for the fees has not increased over the prior year. Eight out of 10 people are aware of their nearest recycling depot and in the past year three out of 10 have used a depot to recycle their old TVs and computers.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram and make sure you post a picture of yourself recycling your old computer or TV!
HARD TO GET ELECTRONICS
In a recent poll 20% of Albertans indicated they have end-of-life TVs and computer products at home but for various reasons have not recycled them yet. This project encourages schools (K-12 and post-secondary) to engage their community in digging out old electronics and bring them to the school for recycling. In turn, the school receives funding for each unit collected. In 2019/20, this pilot will be evaluated to determine if it should continue in the long term. Following are the results to-date:
CURBSIDE COLLECTION
For a fourth year, Alberta Recycling has partnered with a municipality to test curbside collection. Residents were invited to leave out their TVs and computer products. To-date 2,092 items have been collected through this program. In 2019/20, this pilot will be evaluated to determine if it should be expanded as a long term project.
2092
TVs AND COMPUTERS COLLECTED IN WEEKLONG CURBSIDE PILOT
KEEPING HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES OUT OF THE LANDFILL
Since 2004, 12,100 tonnes of hazardous material has been safely and properly handled during the recycling process. Following are results from the past two years showing some of the substances of concern diverted from the landfill.
DATA SECURITY IS A TOP PRIORITY
Once a computer is collected by a registered Recycler, they are responsible to destroy the hard drive (example pictured above) and other storage media. The Recyclers can also provide Certificates of Destruction if requested.
ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS FOR RECYCLERS
An objective of the Electronics Program is to ensure the registered Recyclers operate in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Annual environmental audits by external experts are conducted to confirm if the Recyclers are following Program requirements. Results are reported annually in a “Compliance Assurance Summary Report” found at albertarecycling.ca
