Proving their commitment to a cleaner environment, Ontarians have reached yet another electronic waste collection milestone. Since April 2009, more than 200,000 tonnes of electronic waste has been collected and successfully diverted from landfill across the province, greater than any other diversion program of its kind in Canada.
"Waste diversion is a hot topic in Ontario. As we look at new ways to manage end-of-life electronics, it's important to recognize the success and momentum we're experiencing in electronics recycling," says Jonathan Spencer, Executive Director, Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES). "It took about three years to set up our province-wide network of drop-off centers, and then reach our e-waste collection target of 100,000 tonnes. With the help of Ontarians, municipalities and service providers, we recently surpassed the 200,000 tonnes mark in less than 18 months. That's significant progress and proof that Ontarians support electronics recycling."
- 75,702 tonnes of out-of-use electronics diverted in 2012 - exceeding the target by 30 per cent and 2011 results by 45 per cent
- 5.61 kilograms of waste electronics per capita collected
- Cost per tonne has been driven down 30 per cent year-over-year in 2012
- Since 2009, 201,697 tonnes collected is equivalent to almost 15 kilograms per Ontarian, or 23,429 tractor-trailer loads of out-of-use electronics that:
- Parked end-to-end, would form a line from Toronto to nearly Cornwall; or
- Stacked one on top of the other, would match the height of 776 CN Towers
E-waste is not garbage-it contains valuable materials like base and precious metals, but also plastics and glass that can be safely processed to reclaim them for reuse; to manufacture new products, including the electronics of the future.
Explains Spencer: "Four in five Ontarians are aware there are specific ways for end-of-life electronics to be handled. They want to be part of a solution for responsible, safe and fiscally prudent recycling. We enable this desire to do the right thing by making electronics recycling as convenient as possible. Today, 85 per cent of residents live within 25 km from a drop-off site in our network."
OES monitors its network of contracted service providers-collectors, transporters and recyclers-to ensure they are held to rigorous environmental and worker health and safety standards and contractual obligations.
There is still work to be done towards even greater e-waste diversion. 90% of Ontarians have out-of-use electronic devices to dispose of and more than 1 in 4 admit they "haven't gotten around to" disposing their old gadgets. Through an Infographic depicting the story of e-waste in Ontario, RecycleYourElectronics.ca, operated by OES, is calling on Ontarians to pledge to divert their e-waste and help spread the word about the simple steps everyone can take to ensure their out-of-use electronics are managed responsibly.
To learn more and to locate a free drop-off site or depot near you, visit RecycleYourElectronics.ca
About Ontario Electronic Stewardship
Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES), a not-for-profit industry organization, oversees the responsible reuse and recycling of end-of-life electronics. OES offers a convenient, secure and no-charge way for Ontario residents and businesses to recycle electronics. This program is helping to create a cleaner environmental future for Ontarians.
My Source:
marketwire
My Source:
marketwire
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