The Manitoba government is wrapping up Waste Reduction Week by confirming the approval of the stewardship program plan for recycling end-of-life electronics.
“Most of our homes are filled with electronics and we need to keep these products out of our landfills,” said Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires. “Recycle My Electronics accepts so many different types of electronics, including computers, laptops, tablets, monitors, TVs, and microwave ovens, there’s really no excuse for these materials to end up in our landfills. It’s critical that we all do our part in protecting the environment.”
The Recycle My Electronics program is managed by the Electronic Products Recycling Association, which is one of Manitoba’s 12 industry-funded producer responsibility organizations responsible for the collection and proper disposal of a wide variety of designated materials, from packaging and printed paper to used motor oil and tires, household hazardous waste and empty beverage containers. More information about where to recycle these products can be found at gov.mb.ca.
The province has approved a new five-year business plan for Recycle My Electronics, Squires said. The renewed plan is expected to extend program coverage to include 95 per cent of Manitoba’s population, and provide better accessibility in northern and remote communities.
“We are delighted about the Manitoba government’s acceptance of the five-year plan from Recycle My Electronics/Electronic Products Recycling Association,” said Dennis Neufeld, director EPRA Manitoba. “This is a great opportunity to demonstrate solidarity on responsible electronic waste management, share our vision on diverting end-of-life electronics from landfill and to promote good stewardship in Manitoba. We are delighted to work together as industry leaders to share best practices on aspects of diversion for a better environment.”
In 2016, Recycle My Electronics diverted 3,430 tonnes of e-waste from landfills. More information on Recycle My Electronics programs and locations can be found at recyclemyelectronics.ca.
On Monday, Manitoba kicked off Waste Reduction Week by announcing renewed approval of the stewardship plan for the Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corporation (MARRC), which manages the used oil and antifreeze stewardship program. The new five-year MARRC plan includes a recovery target of 75 per cent for used oil and filters, and, for the first time, the program is also expected to start collecting diesel exhaust fluid containers in November.
Waste Reduction Week, which concludes Sunday, is held annually in the third week of October and plays an important role in raising awareness and engaging communities in sustainability initiatives. In 2018, Waste Reduction Week has a different focus each day. Sunday’s theme is e-waste recycling.
