St. Albert residents will soon see changes in the way they recycle electronics, as the province of Alberta makes its electronics recycling pilot program permanent. This means that starting in April 2025, residents will have to pay eco-fees ranging from $0.40 to $1 on items such as PlayStations, cell phones, power tools, and video game equipment. These fees will help cover the costs of recycling these electronic devices, diverting them from landfills and reducing environmental impact.
The pilot program, which was launched in Fall 2020, was a huge success, with approximately 15,000 tonnes of electronic waste diverted from landfills. St. Albert residents alone recycled about 150 tonnes of electronics at the Mike Mitchell Recycling Depot during this pilot. The addition of these 500 new items to the recycling program is expected to divert an additional 5,500 tonnes of electronic waste from landfills each year.
While residents may not notice any changes at the recycling depot, they will see differences at the checkout counter when they pay the eco-fees for recycling. These fees will help ensure that electronic devices are properly recycled and do not end up in landfills, where they can release harmful toxins into the environment.
In addition to expanding the electronics recycling program, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz also announced plans to develop Canada’s first permanent recycling programs for renewable energy technologies. This includes solar panels, wind turbines, and electric vehicle (EV) batteries. With the increasing adoption of these technologies in the province, there is a growing need for proper disposal and recycling methods for these materials.
Currently, Canada does not have dedicated recycling programs for solar panels, wind turbines, or EV batteries. Schulz emphasized the importance of developing comprehensive recycling systems for these materials before they become a significant issue. By working with industry partners, the province aims to set fees and policies for solar panel recycling, with plans to address wind turbines and EV batteries in the future.
While the need for recycling these renewable energy technologies is still relatively low, it is essential to plan for their end-of-life disposal. By implementing these recycling programs, Alberta not only benefits the environment but also creates new job opportunities in the recycling industry. This move towards sustainable practices aligns with the province’s goal of diversifying its economy and reducing its environmental footprint.
Overall, the expansion of the electronics recycling program and the development of recycling programs for renewable energy technologies are positive steps towards a more sustainable future in Alberta. Residents can visit albertarecycling.ca for more information on the province’s recycling programs and how they can contribute to reducing electronic waste and promoting environmental conservation.