Prince Edward Island Begins E-waste Take Back Program

Prince Edward Island's industry-led electronics recycling program, Atlantic Canada Electronics Stewardship (ACES), will begin accepting e-waste July 1. 


Residents can drop off unwanted electronics free of charge at six Island Waste Management Corp (IWMC) approved locations across the Island.


“With the launch of the program in PEI, ACES members are demonstrating their commitment to responsible recycling practices for electronics,” says ACES Board Chair, David Bois of Home Hardware. “Through our collaboration with Island Waste Management Corporation, we are providing Island residents with a convenient and responsible way to recycle their unwanted electronics and divert them from PEI’s landfill.”


The program is funded through an environmental handling fee charged on new electronics. The fund is designated to be used only for actual costs related to the collection, transportation, administration and recycling of these electronic items.


“The Government of Prince Edward Island is pleased to work with industry to offer an electronics recycling program that will address the serious environmental issue of electronic waste becoming part of the solid waste stream,” said Environment, Energy & Forestry Minister Richard Brown. “This program will help create public awareness that we all share in the responsibility for protecting the environment.”


For more information including the environmental handling fee schedule go to ACES website.

India Second Largest Asian E-waste Generator

A new United Nations report revealed just how big India's electronics waste problem really is. In just 2009, India generated 5.9 million tonnes of hazardous waste. The report expects that number to increase significantly in the coming years and hit 500 percent over 2007 levels by 2020. The waste stream for cell phones would increase eighteen times over 2007 numbers by 2020.

Not all this waste is homegrown though. The New Dehli-based Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) reports that, in addition to generating about 350,000 tonnes of electronic waste every year, India imports another 50,000 tonnes. This is despite Organization for Cooperation and Economic Development (OECD) rules against exporting hazardous substances such as those contained in electronics to developing nations.


The Indian parliament is currently working on legislation which would potentially make manufacturers responsible for e-waste management and incorporate safe recycling requirements. Of course, India has been working on these rules since 2004 but a renewed push this year may help them come to fruition. 

Are You Ready?

Seattle's requirement to find alternatives to throw-away food service containers, cups and other products goes into effect July 1, 2010. The first part of the requirement took effect last July and banned EPS. This phase takes care of the rest. Starting in July restaurants, grocery stores, delis, coffee shops and institutional cafeterias will be required to use compostable packaging and have a compost service deal with their food waste.

Information is available at http://www.resourceventure.org/foodpluscompostables.

CA Could Become First State to Ban Single Use Grocery Bags

California's Assembly is voting today, June 2, 2010 to ban single use grocery bags. The ban would begin January 2012 and would apply to a few stores. It would then be expanded to include convenience stores and food marts the following year. The measure has the support of the Grocers Association, the governor's office and Californian's Against Waste.

The full text of the bill is available here: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1951-2000/ab_1998_bill_20100528_amended_asm_v96.html.
CAW's position statement is here: http://www.cawrecycles.org/issues/current_legislation/ab1998_10

New York State E-waste Bill Trumps NYC's

New York passed a measure before the Memorial Day holiday which requires manufacturers to pay pay $5,000 to register and an additional $3,000 each year in reporting fees to report how much material they have recycled. The law trumps New York city's law which has been challenged by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and Information Technology Industry Council (ITI).


Manufacturers have until January 2011 to submit their electronic waste management plans and registration fees. They must be able to take back electronics by January 2012 or 180 days after their plan is approved, which ever is later. 


The full text of the bill is available at http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?default_fld=&bn=+A07571%09%09&Summary=Y&Text=Y.

Some Things Are Not Recyclable

It's always good to hear everyone trying his or her hardest to recycle everything he or she can. There are some things, however, that really shouldn't be thrown into recycling bins. For instance, grenades. If you happen to have one and wonder what to do with it, call your local police department--calmly. For complete details on how not to discard such things and the consequences of such actions in Spartanburg County South Carolina, I offer this article from Go Upstate. Thankfully, no one was hurt.

NYC to Recycle Textiles

According to the New York Times, New York City is accepting bids for a ten year contract to pick up and recycle clothing and other textiles from bins placed in apartment buildings, on sidewalks and around community places such as churches and police stations.

The hope is to reduce the cost of waste going to landfills and incinerators and make it more convenient for residents to donate their old clothes rather than store them for years or throw them out.