| Since around 2004, Canada has taken a large | | | | batteries and cell phones. However, there are |
| interest in e-waste recycling electronic waste. | | | | other programs that are dedicated to the |
| Items such as cell phones and computers are | | | | e-waste recycling movement as a whole. |
| considered to be hazardous waste materials and | | | | Contacting these programs can give you more |
| cannot be disposed of in a landfill. The reason that | | | | information about where people can drop off their |
| this is so important is because those electronics | | | | used electronics. |
| can contain materials such as mercury or lead, | | | | There are also companies that have become |
| which can be harmful not only to human beings, | | | | concerned about e-waste and are doing what |
| but also to the environment. | | | | they can to contribute to the effort of promoting |
| In previous years, Canada disposed of e-wastes | | | | recycling. For example, Sony has created its only |
| via other methods instead of recycling. While | | | | recycling program. People who would like to |
| recycling was used, it wasn't the majority choice. | | | | dispose of Sony products that they are no longer |
| In example, for 2002, there were 157,000 metric | | | | using are encouraged to send the electronics back |
| tons of waste that were disposed of. However, | | | | to the company. In return, the company recycles |
| out of that statistic, only 9,000 was disposed of | | | | the old products for the individuals. There are |
| via recycling. It is estimated that junk removal | | | | many companies that are beginning to also offer |
| disposal has grown to 206,000 metric tons in | | | | similar options. |
| 2010 already. | | | | Overall, the process of e-waste recycling still has |
| The main goal is to keep the e-waste out of the | | | | a long way to go. Canada is making a large effort |
| landfills. In landfills, when not properly disposed of, | | | | to reduce much of the e-waste that is prevalent |
| the waste can still affect the population and | | | | in society. However, there is still a large majority |
| ultimately the planet. The best way to keep such | | | | of people who do not know what e-waste is or |
| wastes out of landfills then, is to recycle them. | | | | even the basic facts about e-waste recycling. It is |
| This can be done at many drop-off points that | | | | up to those who are educated about these things |
| can be found in Canada. | | | | to share information and promote recycling for |
| However, there are still many people that do not | | | | the greater good of the era and the environment |
| know that e-waste is even capable of being | | | | everywhere. |
| recycled. Many people do not know that items | | | | If you would like to know more about e-waste |
| such as cell phones, computers, and other types | | | | recycling electronic waste and how you can |
| of electronics cannot be recycled. The key to | | | | contribute, there are several things that you can |
| making sure that this changes is to further | | | | do. Consider finding out if there are any local |
| educate the public about the need for e-waste | | | | programs in your area that promote the recycling |
| recycling in their area. | | | | of electronic waste. You can find these via the |
| There are many non-profit organizations in | | | | internet and many local resources. Once you've |
| Canada that will assist those who are interested in | | | | found a program to participate with, consider |
| contributing to the recycling program. Primarily, | | | | spreading the word to others that you know |
| you will find many programs that are dedicated to | | | | might be interested. |
| the recycling of items such as rechargeable | | | | |