Recycle your unwanted electronics Sept. 12

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/09/2024 (459 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Compost, waste or recycle?

With the growing number of products and types of recycling, it’s hard to know what goes where. For example, what do we do with that old computer monitor that has been sitting in the back of our closet since the early 2000s? We either let it clutter our homes, convince ourselves we’ll figure out where to take it one day or get sick of it and throw it in the trash. We get to a point of busyness in our everyday lives that it doesn’t matter to us and we convince ourselves the trash is the best option.

We don’t have to see where it goes, we just know it’s no longer in our house and we feel better for it. But unfortunately, if you did follow your old, unwanted electronics through the trash, you’d see them sitting in a landfill, where they have the potential to pollute your community’s soil and water. These materials, once just clutter in your drawer, could now be causing adverse health effects for you and your loved ones.

The World Health Organization has found e-waste to be the fastest growing solid waste stream in the world. In Canada alone, e-waste generation has gone up from 8.3 kilograms per person in 2000 to 25.3 per person in 2020, according to a 2023 study by the University of Waterloo.

It’s not easy for us to learn how to properly dispose of everything in our lives in the best way possible, but there are organizations ready to help. The Better Business Bureau, the Electronics Recycling Association and the Financial Crimes Unit of the Winnipeg Police Service have teamed up to host a free electronics recycling event to help you quickly, easily and safely recycle your unwanted electronics for free. The best part about it? You won’t only be diverting harmful chemicals from landfills; you’ll also be helping organizations that can repurpose these electronics to help those who need them.

Repurposed electronics will be put to good use at Philippine Canadian Centre of Manitoba, Freedom International School and Equal Housing Initiative.

“With these tools, they can search for job openings, apply for social services, and improve their digital literacy. Additionally, access to the internet enables them to stay connected with support networks and access educational content, which can be crucial for personal development and finding stable housing or employment,” said Rick Lees, Chief Executive Officer of the Equal Housing Initiative.

Winnipeggers can bring their unwanted electronics to the Polo Plaza at 875 St. James St. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 12 to take advantage of this free service.

Due to the sensitive nature of some electronics, there will also be security experts and a hard drive shredder on site to ensure personal information is destroyed free of charge.

This event is made possible by Seerx, Watermart, Equal Opportunities West, Party Stuff, MITT, ATS Traffic, Central Canada and Shindico.

Materials accepted range from old laptops, computer monitors, printers, phone and handheld devices and other miscellaneous electronics.