GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY DEVELOPING RECYCLING PROGRAMS FOR PAINT AND E-WASTE

Released on March 18, 2005

There could soon be a better way to get rid of old computer equipment and those cans of old paint.

The province and industry are working on the details of two new recycling programs. One is for e-waste, which focuses on computers. This year Saskatchewan will generate more than 2,000 tonnes of e-waste.

The other program is for paint recycling. Nearly 75 per cent of waste collected during household hazardous waste collection days is paint.

"E-waste contains significant amounts of toxic or hazardous materials including mercury, lead and cadmium. It also contains many valuable, recoverable materials such as aluminum, gold and silver," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "Paint contains toxic or hazardous materials. If these products are dumped into landfills or storm sewer systems they can pollute the air, land and water. Properly disposing of paint and e-waste now can help avoid higher clean-up costs in the future."

Under the proposed e-waste and paint recycling programs, consumers would pay a small environmental levy when they buy computer equipment or paint. That money would then be used to pay for industry-managed paint and e-waste recycling programs.

The precise figures of environmental levies have not yet been determined. Government will now ask industry to help design a program that minimizes costs and works efficiently and fairly for all industry participants. Regulations based on the results of these consultations will be used to establish the industry-operated programs.

"The Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council applauds and strongly supports these excellent initiatives," Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council Chairperson Bert Weichel said. "This approach expands on the successful model established by our used oil and scrap tire recycling programs. Industry and the public are ready to use Extended Producer Responsibility as an effective approach to further waste reduction, resource recovery and environmental protection."

"This is a win-win initiative for the entire province," Forbes said. "Recycling e-waste and paint helps create a green and prosperous economy by protecting the environment from toxic substances while creating more economic and employment opportunities in the recycling industry."

The paint and e-waste recycling programs are expected to be in operation by the spring of 2006.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joe Muldoon Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-6178