Québec Waste Reduction Week - Over 10 million electronic devices recovered over the last five years thanks to EPRA-Québec's program

MONTRÉAL, Oct. 18, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - During Québec Waste Reduction Week (October 21 to 29, 2017), the Electronic Products Recycling Association of Québec (EPRA-Québec) wishes to congratulate Quebecers who have contributed to the recovery of over 70,000 metric tonnes of electronics over the past five years, which is equal to over 10 million electronic devices. For EPRA-Québec's 5^th anniversary, the organization is calling on popular scientist Martin Carli to raise awareness among Quebecers regarding the importance of bringing their old electronics to one of close to 1,000 authorized drop-off points across the province. In doing so, consumers can be sure their old devices will be handled in a safe, secure and environmentally sound manner by certified companies.

Despite the miniaturization of electronic products, volumes of collected devices have continued to grow year over year since EPRA-Québec's program was launched in July 2012. In 2016, each Quebecer recycled an average of 2.6 kg ? that's over 21,500 tonnes of products recycled or directed for reuse. Among all the items collected over the past five years, some of the most popular devices in Quebec include TV sets and cathode-ray tube computer monitors, wireless remote controls, keyboards and printers.

"Quebecers have really stepped up to the plate! Since our recycling program was created five years ago, over 10 million electronic devices have been kept out of landfills," said Martin Carli. "We can't imagine our lives without electronics. We must remember, however, to dispose of them responsibly and sustainably. These devices should never end up in the trash, the recycling bin or at the curb! Over 150 products are accepted by the program, so why not take advantage of Québec Waste Reduction Week to bring your old electronics to an authorized drop-off point anywhere in Québec, free of charge." 

More work to be done: 2 out of 3 Quebecers hold on to old electronics
According to a recent EPRA-Québec survey, 2 out of 3 Quebecers still have old electronics at home, including laptops or desktops, cell phones, portable music players, digital cameras, video-gaming consoles and DVD/Blu-Ray players.

Thanks to EPRA-Québec's program, Quebecers can enjoy peace of mind knowing that end-of-life electronics will not be sent to landfills or illegally exported, but rather recycled in an environmentally respectful way. Therefore, we can prevent such toxic substances as mercury and lead from contaminating our natural environment.

EPRA-Québec takes charge of all electronics left at its authorized drop-off points throughout the province, including several municipal ecocentres, many retailers as well as other organizations and companies. The devices are then sent to certified and approved companies for recycling according to Canadian standards, ensuring that they are handled in an environmentally-friendly way while minimizing risks to health and safety. Once the products are disassembled, component materials such as metals, plastics and glass are sorted, conditioned and reused to make new products, therefore preserving non-renewable natural resources.

To find one of the 1,000 authorized drop-off points in Québec, see the complete list of accepted products and get more information on electronics recycling, visit: www.recycleMYelectronics.ca/qc.

Special collections all over the province
In addition to EPRA-Québec's widely accessible network of authorized drop-off points, many special collection events are organized locally throughout the province in cooperation with municipalities and various partners. The public is invited to look up the event calendar regularly on EPRA-Québec's website.

About EPRA-Québec
As a recognized industry-led not-for-profit organization, the Electronic Products Recycling Association of Québec (EPRA-Québec) provides an approved environmental compliance program for manufacturers, distributors and retailers of electronics marketed in Quebec. It is responsible for implementing and operating, on behalf of its stewards, a responsible program for the recovery and reclamation of electronic products in accordance with standards established by EPRA and the requirements of the Quebec Product Stewardship Program for End-of-Life Electrical and Electronic Equipment.  

SOURCE Electronic Products Recycling Association (EPRA)