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Amnesty for your electronic waste

E-Waste roundup Oct. 22

Electronic waste – old computers, printers, televisions, telephones, cell phones, calculators, etc. – is one of the fastest growing sources of waste in Canada. This year alone Canadians are expected to dispose of 72,000 tonnes of e-waste materials, or about 2.3 kilograms per person.

While that takes up a lot of space in landfills, the trouble with e-waste is that it is also extremely toxic, with materials like mercury, bromine, lead and cadmium entering the waste stream. Some of that material is recyclable, but all of it can be recovered by using the proper disposal techniques.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Resort Municipality of Whistler, Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment, Carney’s Waste Systems and the Pemberton Rotary Club are sponsoring their second annual Electronic Waste Round Up. Genesis Recycling in Vancouver, which recycles 100 per cent of e-waste without export or incineration, was hired to handle the waste.

Residents are invited to use the opportunity to dispose of all their electronic waste safely and at no charge. Businesses are encouraged to contact Genesis to arrange for their own pickups.

There will be drop-off spots in Squamish, Pemberton and Whistler. Whistler’s spot will be in Lot 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.