A provincial electronics recycling pilot has seen success in Okotoks.
The Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) launched a program to expand collection of televisions and computer equipment in September, and in its first six months the Okotoks Eco Centre took in 18 megatonnes of electronics waste.
Materials collected are being analyzed by ARMA to determine the types of products taken in, build capture fees and set environmental fees.
“The pilot is designed to divert more electronics waste from landfills,” said Paul Lyons, Okotoks waste services manager. “Take for instance power tools you would use at home. In the past, those would have been going to the garbage.”
He said any household items that have power cords or contain batteries are eligible for the program and can be delivered to the Eco Centre.
Some of the items accepted, like microwaves, were collected in Okotoks before, but were not part of a specific program.
“We had special arrangements with the processor to accept these items,” said Lyons. “So we’ve always accepted microwaves, but in the past it wasn’t one of the program items.”
He said opening up the electronics waste collection program beyond televisions and computers should help divert a lot of waste in Alberta, if the first six months in Okotoks is any indication.
“We will continue,” said Lyons.
Some other recycling programs were also expanded in the province last year, he said. Paint collection is one of those.
In the past, ARMA covered a portion of the cost for managing the paint program but now accepts all costs, which are passed on to consumers at the point-of-sale.
“When a consumer buys paint now, the fee you pay has increased,” said Lyons.
While the paint recycling program fees don’t impact municipalities, upcoming changes to hazardous waste collection will have an impact beginning in June, though the total cost to the Town is unknown at this time.
Hazardous waste collection was previously funded by Alberta Infrastructure, but those funds are being discontinued, said Lyons.
“We don’t know what the cost implications could be,” said Lyons.
He said the Town is currently working with service providers to ensure materials are handled properly and waiting to see what the costs of managing the disposal will be.
Chris Radford, director of operations, said Town staff are unsure how Okotoks will be affected.
“Staff are trying to understand the local impact to this service,” said Radford. “Once we have more information we’ll be able to compile that and provide an update to council on the actual fiscal impact to Okotoks and the area residents who use the Eco Centre.”
For more information about the electronics waste collection pilot program visit https://armaepilot.com/.
