Alberta Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz made an exciting announcement on August 13th regarding the expansion of the province’s electronics recycling program. Starting next April, Alberta residents will have access to recycling for about 500 additional items, making the program more comprehensive and accessible than ever before.
Prior to 2020, only a limited number of electronic devices were accepted for recycling in Alberta. This meant that many valuable and toxic metals found in other electronic items were ending up in landfills. However, in Fall 2020, the province launched a pilot study that added approximately 500 new items to the electronic recycling program. This included cell phones, power tools, and video game equipment. The success of this pilot, with 15,000 tonnes of electronic waste diverted from landfills, has led to the decision to make these changes permanent, effective April 1, 2025.
Residents of Alberta can expect to see eco-fees ranging from $0.40 to $1 on these new items starting next April. These fees will help cover the costs of recycling and ensure that electronic waste is properly managed. Despite this change, the process of recycling electronics at the depot should remain the same for Albertans.
In addition to expanding the electronics recycling program, Minister 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, it is crucial to have a comprehensive recycling system in place for their end-of-life disposal.
While solar panels and EV batteries have long lifespans, it is essential to plan for their eventual recycling. The province will work with industry stakeholders to set fees and policies for solar panel recycling, with plans to address wind turbines and EV batteries in the future. These new recycling programs have the potential to create new jobs in Alberta while also benefiting the environment.
Overall, these initiatives demonstrate Alberta’s commitment to sustainable waste management and environmental stewardship. By expanding electronic recycling programs and developing recycling options for renewable energy technologies, the province is taking proactive steps to reduce waste and protect the environment for future generations. Visit albertarecycling.ca for more information on Alberta’s recycling programs and how you can get involved.