News Release

For immediate release
June 12, 2007

E-WASTE PLAN WILL DIVERT COMPUTERS, TVS FROM LANDFILLS
Study Shows Less Than Two Percent Of Computers And Other IT Waste Are Properly Recycled

TORONTO – An industry-funded program will provide all Ontarians with convenient, accessible options for recycling electronics, Environment Minister Laurel Broten announced today.

“Ontario needs to reduce the amount of electronic waste going into the province’s landfills and industry must play a critical role in making that happen,” Broten said. “There is tremendous value in reducing, re-using and recycling these products when possible.”

Speaking against a backdrop of discarded televisions and computers, the minister announced that she has directed Waste Diversion Ontario to develop an industry-funded waste diversion program for electronic waste. The program will recognize the value of these materials and ensure potentially toxic components, like lead and mercury, are kept out of landfills.

The first phase of the program, expected by February 1, 2008, will address products that are among those with the lowest diversion rates. Phase I of the program will deal with:

• desktop and notebook computers
• monitors
• desktop printers
• televisions. 

Phase II will address:

• telephones
• audio players and recorders
• radios
• speakers
• cameras.

According to a Waste Diversion Ontario study, of the over 1.5 million computers and other computer equipment discarded in 2004, only about two per cent were diverted.  According to the same study, less than one per cent of televisions and other audio-visual equipment and two per cent of telecom equipment were diverted in 2004.

To further support waste management in the province, the Minister also introduced a draft policy statement on provincial expectations for waste that aims to achieve more consistent and timely municipal waste management planning and to increase transparency in decision-making.
 
These plans, like other municipal planning documents, must recognize the need to deal with waste created by an expanding economy and growing population.

“We applaud Ontario’s move towards industry-led product stewardship for selected end-of-life electronics,” said Garry Travers (IBM Canada), chair of Electronics Product Stewardship Canada, which represents leading electronics manufacturers.  “Our industry has stepped up and shown our environmental leadership in the development of harmonized, responsible electronics recycling programs across Canada.  Working in partnership with retailers, municipalities and other key stakeholders we will make the Ontario program a success.”

“The province has responded directly to AMO's call for an integrated policy framework for waste management in Ontario and, through numerous initiatives, has restored provincial leadership in waste management policy and environmental protection," said Doug Reycraft, president of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario. "The electronic waste program and the policy statement on waste plans are two more important steps the government has taken toward improving diversion and creating a sustainable, integrated waste management solution for Ontario.”

“A regulation is an important first step to diverting electronic wastes from disposal,” said Jo-Anne St. Godard, Executive Director of the Recycling Council of Ontario. “We look forward to assisting in the design of the program to ensure that it is environmentally effective and economically efficient.”

The provincial policy statement is posted to the Environmental Registry for a 45-day comment period at www.ontario.ca/environmentalregistry , registry number 010-0420.

Minister's Letter: Ontario's Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Diversion Program

- 30 -

Contact information for media:
John Steele, (416) 314-6666 Ministry of the Environment	Anne O’Hagan, (416) 325-5809 Minister’s Office
Contact information for the general public: 416-325-4000 or 1-800-565-4923/ www.ene.gov.on.ca

Back to News Releases