A news item announcing the approval of the Five Year plan submitted to the Manitoba Government by the Electronic Products Recycling Association inspired today’s topic.
The Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) is the Producer Responsible Organization (PRO) for the electronics industry. It is a non-profit industry group that subsidizes recycling of the products they sell in Manitoba as required by the government.
The EPRA makes electronics recycling work in our community. The approved items are collected at the Centre, stacked on pallets and wrapped for shipping. EPRA provides large bags for small items like cords, phones, keyboards and computer mice.
Recyclable items include computers and attachments, televisions and attachments like video machines and satellite boxes, home and auto sound systems, floor standing printers, telephones and personal audio or video items. The only appliance that is accepted is microwaves.
When a load of pallets is ready to go, EPRA requests a trailer for the Recycling Centre to load. They pay the shipping.
They also pay for the work of collecting items, preparing them for shipping and loading. The amount is determined by the weight of the load. The rate is $185/metric ton or tonne. If the load is over 10 tonnes, and extra $20/tonne is added.
The amount varies between $1,800.00 and $2,200.00 per load which covers the Centre’s costs.
This money comes from the Environmental Handling fee that is paid when new items are purchased.
The EPRA must make sure the electronics are recycled in a way that protects the environment and the health and safety of the workers. Local items are shipped to Exner Ewaste in Elie, Mb.
More information is available at www.recycleMYelectronics.ca .