Electronic gadgets have become a big part of the things we use each day. They also wear out or are no longer needed.
They should not end their lives in the landfill as they are recyclable.
The Recycling Centre at 9 Timber Lane accepts electronics for recycling. This includes computers and all their parts, sound systems, televisions, telephones, photocopiers and microwaves.
There is information on the sign at the Recycling Centre and on the web at www.recycleMYelectronics.ca/mb.
Items can be left on the dock at any time. Bring items between 8 and 3:30 on weekdays or 11 and 2 on weekends if you need help with large items or you want them to be locked up.
The electronics are stacked on pallets and wrapped for shipping to Exner Ewaste, a Manitoba company that meets high safety standards for recycling electronics.
The Recycling Centre has been involved with electronics recycling since 2009. It was a summer program only for the first three years.
Manufacturers and retailers of electronic products took over responsibility through a non-profit organization called Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA) in August 2012. It is required by law to ensure electronics are recycled responsibly in a way that is safe for the workers and the environment.
Electronics recycling conserves resources as the plastics, glass and metals including precious metals are recovered and sold to make new materials.
The environmental handling fee (EHF) added to eligible electronic items at the store funds the program. The EPRA uses this money to cover the cost of recycling electronics. They pay the Recycling Centre for collecting and storing the items and the shipping costs.
Over 30 metric tons have been shipped in 2017.