FRANCAIS

October 15, 2002

A demonstration project to help reduce the amount of consumer electronic products going into Manitoba landfills has received a $50,000 grant from Manitoba Conservation’s Sustainable Development Innovations Fund, Conservation Minister Steve Ashton announced today.

"Unwanted consumer electronics, or E-waste, is a fast growing environmental issue as some products contain potentially hazardous materials that require safe disposal," said Ashton. "It is estimated that Manitobans will throw out 2,680 tonnes of personal computers by the year 2005. This is added to old televisions, cell phones and other electronic products that are disposed of as they are replaced or updated by consumers."

In association with the Thomas Sill Foundation and the Electronics Products Stewardship Organization of Manitoba, the province has initiated a research and demonstration project to collect, reuse and recycle unwanted consumer electronics.

Of particular concern is the heavy metal content. Based on the 2,680 tonne estimate, Manitoba landfills would receive about 168 tonnes of lead, 250 kilograms of cadmium and nearly 60 kilograms of mercury if no action is taken.

The stewardship of electronic product waste is in keeping with the August 2001 Manitoba government plan to manage household hazardous waste. The province worked with a stakeholder committee to create a product stewardship approach that puts the primary responsibility for taking care of wastes on the sellers and manufacturers of certain products.

The electronics products project is intended to clarify some of the issues associated with electronics waste and look into the technical problems associated with managing these materials.

Waste Reduction Week in Manitoba is Oct. 21 to 27 with a focus on reducing waste and making a long-term contribution to Manitoba’s sustainability.

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