Televisions will not be accepted with curbside garbage as of August 1, 2011

Region of Waterloo – The Region of Waterloo has added televisions to the list of electronic waste (e-waste) items banned from the landfill. As of August 1, 2011, televisions will no longer be accepted with curbside garbage collection.

Computers, monitors, stereo equipment and other e-waste have been banned from the landfill and not accepted with curbside garbage collection since 2005. The Region has successfully diverted over 800 tonnes of e-waste for recycling through this program, keeping tonnes of potentially hazardous materials and valuable metals out of the landfill.

Televisions had previously been an issue for e-waste recyclers to handle, but advances in recycling technology mean that they are now fully recyclable. As of July 1, 2011, TVs have been added to the curbside and landfill ban, with a one-month amnesty period allowing residents to put TVs out with garbage collection until August 1, 2011.

E-waste can be recycled for free at a number of drop-off locations throughout Waterloo Region, through the Ontario Electronic Stewardship (OES) program. The fees paid by consumers when purchasing electronics are distributed to cover the cost of properly recycling these items when they are no longer usable.

Residents and businesses looking for e-waste recycling options are encouraged to visit www.recycleyourelectronics.ca to search for approved OES recyclers. E-waste can also be recycled at the Cambridge or Waterloo transfer stations, but is subject to the regular transfer station fee of $72/tonne with the first 50 kg free.

Additional information about electronics recycling or any other waste management program can be found on our website at http://www.regionofwaterloo.ca/waste , the front section of the telephone book, the township collection calendar or by calling customer service at 519-883-5100.

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For more information contact:

Cari Rastas Howard, Project Manager, Waste Management 519-883-5100 Ext. 8412