Manitobans are turning in more e-waste for recycling each year since the launch of Manitoba’s first collection program in 2007, Conservation Minister Bill Blaikie announced.
“Considering the amount of electronic technology available to consumers, it’s not surprising that e-waste makes up a significant portion of waste on the planet,” said Blaikie. “Manitobans are recognizing that fact and are being environmentally responsible by using the e-waste collection depots throughout the province.”
Beginning May 1, Manitobans will have access to 29 e-waste collection depots located throughout the province under the E-waste Roundup program, the minister said. Ten of the sites will offer year-round collection services. The remaining 19 sites will be open to the public until the end of October. A list of e-waste recycling depots is available at www.greenmanitoba.ca.
Under the program, electronic waste depots accept the following materials at no charge when they are from residential sources:
TVs, VCRs, stereos, microwaves, phones, computer equipment, laptops, printers, scanners, fax machines and copiers. All e-waste collected is sent for proper end-of-life recycling and no materials are sent to landfills.
More than 1.5 million kilograms were recycled in the 2009 E-waste Roundup program, surpassing the total combined collection amount in both the 2008 and 2007 programs. Since 2007, when the provincial E-waste Roundup program began, more than 2.6 million kilograms of residential e-waste have been collected and sent for responsible end-of-life recycling.
It is estimated that every tonne of recycled e-waste diverted from landfills prevents about a tonne of greenhouse gas emissions. Since 2007, Manitoba has recycled more than 2.6 million kilograms of e-waste and avoided an estimated 2,400 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions from being released into the environment.
“Since 2007, the provincial government has invested more than $3 million to support the network of e-waste collection depots, as well as the transportation and environmentally responsible processing of obsolete or unwanted electronic equipment,” said Blaikie.
The Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) program will also be available again in 2010. Last year, HHW depots received more than 750,000 kilograms of HHW at 35 collection events held in the province. A record 8,133 vehicles visited the collection depots, clearly demonstrating Manitobans’ interest in ensuring this waste is properly disposed of and kept out of landfills, said Blaikie.
HHW includes waste items such as paints, solvents, corrosive cleaners, pesticides, batteries and pressurized gas containers.
From April to September, Miller Environmental’s Winnipeg depot at 1803 Hekla Ave. will be open the first and last Saturday of each month from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. These hours are reduced from October to March when Miller’s Winnipeg depot is open the first Saturday of the month only. However, Winnipeg residents can also book a weekday appointment through Green Manitoba’s Online HHW appointment system or by calling Miller Environmental directly at 925-9600.
Scheduled rural and northern HHW events include:
• Steinbach (May 8)
• Brandon (May 15)
• Winkler (June 12)
• Selkirk (June 19)
• Portage la Prairie (Sept. 11)
• Dauphin (Sept. 20)
• Swan River (Sept. 21)
• The Pas (Sept. 22)
• Flin Flon (Sept. 23)
• Thompson (Sept. 25)
• Brandon (Oct. 9)
