Toasters and toys and microwaves

To (badly) paraphrase Lewis Carroll: The time has come, the walrus said, to talk of many things … of toasters – and toys – and microwaves, of copiers – and springs. And why the server is boiling hot – and whether the drill has zing. The time has come -- to expand the provincial program for recycling electronics.

Saskatchewan’s electronics recycling program started in 2007, covering just computers and TVs. Two years later, it expanded to include audiovisual recording and playback equipment. At that time, there was vague discussion of further adding to the program, but no specific products were identified. At the same time, B.C. has enacted recycling programs for basically everything with a plug or battery, and Alberta, who hasn’t changed anything since they started in 2004, recently announced they are adding small appliances, audio/visual equipment, telecommunication equipment and power tools to their program.

Saskatchewan – it’s time. While we’d like to get to the “everything with a plug or battery” state, we think a staged approach is a little easier on people. Everyone you ask likely has a different list of products they’d like to see added. Here’s ours:

• Photocopiers – we get lots of inquiries about these. They are a logical extension of the current program list, just bigger and more unwieldy (all the more reason to keep them out of landfills). Copiers are already included in the B.C., Alberta and Ontario programs.
• Small appliances – including microwaves (a HUGE one for us – we get calls every week about where to recycle microwaves) and other kitchen countertop appliances, personal care appliances, floor cleaning devices, fans, irons, etc. BC has established a separate program for these and Alberta is planning to include them in their expansion.
• Power tools – cordless and corded. These are also included with appliances in the B.C. program and are on the list in Alberta.
• Things that Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA), who manages our provincial program, already handles in B.C., so they might as well be added here: electronic toys, musical instruments, medical, monitoring and control devices; IT equipment like networking products, servers and storage systems.

It’s all for SWRC’s benefit. You see, we don’t like having to tell people that there is no place to recycle -- insert product from list above -- in their community. It makes us sad to not be able to give recycling options to people who call or email. So, if you run across a provincial politician or a bureaucrat from the Ministry of Environment or someone from EPRA, mention the need to expand the program. You can use our list if you like.

Do it for us :).