Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

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Quick Facts Affordability Cost Savings CO2 Reduction		Electronic devices contain a variety of hazardous materials. Proper handling and recycling of E-waste is a critical issue. Unfortunately, current technology has reduced the life cycle of electronic equipment, which further impacts the environmental concern. Since August 2007, the government of B.C. has banned certain electronic equipment from being included in trash collection. The Recycling Council of British Columbia now includes electronic recycling and disposal at "Return-It" locations throughout the province, making it easier to dispose of these materials in a safer and environmentally friendly way. Affordability Revenues collected from an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) on the sale of certain new electronic products in B.C. will be used for responsible recycling of end-of-life electronics. You can drop off regulated products at designated collection sites without charge. Cost savings You can save hundreds of dollars each year by resisting the urge to get a new cell phone, a bigger TV, a better stereo, the latest PC or that new PDA. Save your money to invest in more energy efficient models when yours really does need to be replaced. Health & comfort Recycling electronic equipment helps to reduce the levels of hazardous materials that can seep into groundwater from landfills. Reusing equipment helps reduce the overall amount of these materials in our environment. Environmental considerations Natural Resources Canada estimates that Canadians throw away more than 272,000 tonnes of electronics each year. Not only does that clog our landfills, but electronics are filled with toxins such as lead and mercury that seep into the ground. Even recycling them is not benign. Reducing how many we use and make is the best way to protect environmental and human wellbeing.

What you need to know

• It's important to be aware of what equipment can and can't be recycled. See the Return-it section on acceptable and non-acceptable products for a complete list.
• Look online first. The BC Electronics Materials Exchange is an invaluable resource for finding used electronics, as well as information on electronics recycling. Check it out before you make any game, computer or other electronic purchases.
• If you're in the market for a computer or other electronics, look for products with a "take-back" program. Take-back programs mean a manufacturer commits to receiving and properly disposing of their goods after the consumer has used them. Research manufacturers to see if they offer this, and ask retailers about it, so they know it's important to you.
• If you choose to donate your equipment to a charity, be sure to find out if the charity needs the equipment and how they will dispose of it when it is no longer useful.
• Ensure you have backed up your data and erased any personal data from your hard drive prior to donating, selling or recycling your old electronics.

Taking it further

• If you want to go even further, do some research and consider environmental attributes of an electronic product before you buy it. Europe's RoHS directive has been successful in reducing the presence of toxic chemicals in electronics such as lead, cadmium and mercury. Look for companies whose products adhere to and even go beyond the RoHS compliance in Europe.
• For more information about purchasing green electronics, check out the Buy Green Electronics tip.

FAQ

Where can I return my obsolete or broken down electronics for recycling? What types of equipment are accepted? Do they have pick-up service?

On August 1, 2007, B.C launched a province-wide Return-It electronics recycling program for consumers and businesses. This service enables consumers to drop off any of their regulated products at identified collection locations for recycyling.

Materials that are accepted in the program include TVs, computers and computer peripherals like printers and keyboards, desktop servers, portable computers. Excluded items include hand-held devices, computers or televisions that are part of or attached to vehicles, marine vessels or commercial or industrial equipment. See Return-It online for details and for the locations page to find which depot is closest to you.

Isn’t it better to reuse a product before recycling it?
Not necessarily. Recycling is for end of life computers and electronics, meaning they no longer work or are so old they don't perform necessary functions. For equipment that still works, but no longer meets your needs, you can try to sell or give it away on a free online service like Craigslist, or Kijiji. Or, donate it to a charity or a friend.