NEW PROVINCE-WIDE END OF LIFE ELECTRONICS RECYCLING PROGRAM

Released on February 1, 2007

Starting today, Saskatchewan residents will have a new province-wide end-of-life electronics recycling program with drop off at 71 SARCAN facilities across the province.  Saskatchewan is the only province in the country with a province-wide, industry managed electronic waste recycling program. 

“Recycling is an environmentally effective method of disposing of electronic waste,” Environment Minister John Nilson said.  “This program contributes to our goal of making life better for Saskatchewan families by helping to keep toxic materials out of our landfills.

“It is another good example of government working with industry to create a vibrant economy while protecting the environment and providing economic and employment opportunities in the recycling industry.”

Saskatchewan residents should continue to consider the “Re-use First” principle for their unwanted but still working computers and televisions so that charitable organizations or businesses that refurbish and distribute the equipment can continue to provide these services.

Beginning February 1, 2007, consumers who purchase designated electronics will pay an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) that will be collected by retailers and remitted to the Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program (SWEEP) to finance the program.  SWEEP has set the EHF as follows: $10 for desk top computers, $5 for notebook computers, $12 for monitors, $8 for printers, and $15 to $45 for varying sizes of televisions.  The EHF rates are the same as the Alberta rates. 

At this time, only designated products including televisions, computers, monitors and printers will be accepted at the SARCAN depots.  Consumers will be able to drop off these types of obsolete or end-of-life e-waste at the SARCAN depot free of charge.  However, since Environmental Handling Fees are used to pay for the SWEEP recycling operations, there will be no “deposit” refund provided by SARCAN to consumers.

“The information and communications technology and consumer electronics industries responded to the Saskatchewan government’s request to develop and manage this program,” Saskatchewan Waste Electronics Equipment Program executive director David Betts said. 

“By working in partnership with SARCAN, the end result is a program that allows residents to use a convenient, established location to drop off electronics, with the confidence that they will be recycled safely and responsibly.”

“SARCAN is very pleased to be involved with this exciting new recycling program,” SARCAN Operations director Ken Homenick said.  “Not only will we be helping to divert over 1000 tonnes from the waste stream, but we will also be creating over 21 valuable employment opportunities for persons facing challenges.”

As part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s commitment to implement electronic waste recycling, consultations were held during the development of the program with a number of stakeholders including industry, all levels of municipal government, retailers and the Saskatchewan Waste Reduction Council.  Regulations were passed in October of 2005.

The new electronic waste stewardship program is similar to the product stewardship models used to develop the Saskatchewan Paint Recycling, Used Oil Material Recycling and Scrap Tire Management programs.

Media are invited to tour the Prince Albert Kin Enterprises Incorporated facility in Prince Albert or the Saskatchewan Abilities Council facility in Yorkton by phoning Traci Braaten at the numbers below.

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For more information, contact:

Traci Braaten
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1611
Email: Traci.Braaten@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-3852