Those outdated electronics taking up space and collecting dust in your home — often referred to as e-waste — will soon be able to be disposed of in an environmentally sound manner, the provincial government announced today.
A news release notes that amendments have been made to the Waste Management Regulations under the province’s Environmental Protection Act in order to introduce an industry-led electronics recycling program.
In Newfoundland and Labrador, it is estimated that households generate 1,551 tons of e-waste and the institutional, commercial and industrial sector generates 1,055 tons, annually. E-waste includes items such as computers, televisions, cell phones and printers that are no longer usable.
“Electronics contain dangerous metals and contaminants such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and other potentially hazardous materials that can create environmental hazards if not recycled or disposed of in a responsible manner,” said Tom Hedderson, Minister of Environment and Conservation and Minister Responsible for the Multi-Materials Stewardship Board.
“Proper management of e-waste through an industry-led electronics recycling program is an important step forward for waste management in Newfoundland and Labrador, and will bring the province another step closer to achieving the 50 per cent waste reduction goal of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Strategy.”
The new e-waste program will take an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) approach, meaning that electronics manufacturers will be responsible for their products from the point of production through to post-consumer recycling. Electronics manufacturers have 120 days to submit a detailed stewardship plan to the MMSB outlining their proposed recycling program for Newfoundland and Labrador.
