"We saw everything from old model PCs and rotary phones to brand new, unfortunately broken 52 inch Plasma televisions", explains Jennifer Salutari, Waste Electronics Program Supervisor for Quinte Waste Solutions.
The volume of space unwanted electronics and televisions take up in a landfill site is quite staggering, not to mention the harmful toxic materials such as lead and mercury that could potentially leach into our ground water. By diverting waste electronics, we increase the lifespan of these sites, and give these unwanted items another chance at life to be used in new products. The event held on Saturday diverted the equivalent of four 53’ tractor trailers of waste electronics from landfill.
A recent report by the United National Environment Program (UNEP), identified the need for developing countries to put in place, responsible Electronic Waste Collection programs to meet the rapidly growing amount of waste electronics in these countries. With electronic waste increasing by a suggested 40 million tonnes annually worldwide, action must be taken now.
Operating under Ontario Electronic Stewardship’s (OES) Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Program, Quinte Waste Solutions is considered an "approved collector" of waste electronics. This program identifies roles and responsibilities for approved consolidation points, collectors, processors and transporters of waste electronics. It is a voluntary program, with strict guidelines and approval processes to ensure that materials collected are tracked and dealt with responsibly, from collection to end market.
Quinte Waste Solutions’ Hazardous Waste Depot operates year round at 75 Wallbridge Crescent in Belleville. Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment can be dropped off at this location, however televisions can only be collected at special drop-off events like the one held at the Leon’s Superstore in Trenton this past Saturday.
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