It’s true. Canadians are world leaders in e-waste recycling. At over 5kg per capita, we are ahead of the United States and many EU countries.
And did you know that modern recycling techniques (also known as urban mining) can help reduce emissions? For example, it is estimated that from 50,000 mobile phones, it is possible to recycle around one kilogram of gold, 400 grams of palladium, 10 kilograms of silver, and 420 kilograms of copper. In contrast, extracting one kilogram of gold from a mine below ground requires the removal of 200 tons of rock and generates nearly 10,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
This are just a few of the stats from a comprehensive new report put out by Electronics Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC)*. The report also illustrates what happens to electronics after they are sent for recycling, what materials are contained in these products, and how materials are recovered and reused.
The report also outlines what some companies are doing to ‘close the loop’ on their manufacturing processes. HP Planet Partners return and recycling program, for example, takes back all brands of used electronic equipment and HP ink and Laser Jet cartridges. In 2012, 18.8 million pounds of recycled plastic was used in new HP ink and Laser Jet cartridges. Recycled plastic used in HP ink cartridges has up to a 33% lower carbon footprint, consumes more than 60% less fossil fuel, and uses up to 89% less water.
It’s a quick 15-page read for anyone interested in where their electronics go, with some clear concise charts and a full set of references at the end for real recycling geeks.
So get to know what’s happening with electronics recycling in Canada. You’ll want to take back more than 5kg worth. And you KNOW where you can bring back electronics with ease – London Drugs, of course!
*Electronics Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC) is a not-for-profit, industry-led organization working to represent the interests of electronics manufacturers for innovation in enhanced end-of-life solutions for electronic products in Canada. Its membership is comprised of over 30 leading Canadian electronics manufacturers and trade associations.
