Electronics Recycling
Electronic waste, or e-waste is a growing concern around the world. In fact, e-waste is the fastest growing waste stream. This is because technology is evolving at such a rapid rate that it is often easier and less costly to simply replace that old TV or computer than to fix it. The problem is most electronic devices contain materials such as lead, mercury, cadmium, beryllium and flame retardants that can be hazardous to the health of our environment and ourselves.
The problem reaches beyond our landfills. Increasingly, we are becoming aware of the growing problem of illegal “dumping” of old computers and TV’s in developing countries. This is a hazardous by-product of our inability to address the potential problems of waste electronics much earlier. With tonnes of electronics being shipped to the developing world to be scavenged for precious metals, we need to take action to ensure none of our retired electronics end up in this waste stream. Simply bringing electronics to municipal collection sites ensures that your old units will be processed safely and responsibly.
What is collected?
Televisions and computer equipment are collected for recycling at municipal collection sites throughout Alberta. Click here for the list of products that can be recycled under Alberta’s electronics recycling program.
How are electronics processed?
Electronics are processed within Alberta by our 6 registered processors (a list is available here). The components are broken down, or disassembled into much smaller pieces, which are then reduced to commodity state (plastics, metals and glass) for eventually reuse. The hazardous materials found in electronics are removed and handled in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.
What it becomes
Televisions and computers contain a number of valuable materials that can be broken down and reused. The steel, aluminum and copper metal found in the wires, cables and circuitry is used as feedstock for new products. The glass from television and computer screens is melted down, separating the lead, and reused in the manufacture of new products. The plastic from the cases, keyboards and mouse are processed to produce plastic flakes or pellets used to make new consumer products.
Tire Recycling
By recycling old tires, Albertans do a lot to help protect the environment. Along with being an eyesore, discarded scrap tires pose a number of potential health risks to people and the environment. This waste product is actually a useful and valuable material for the increasing rubber recycling industry in Alberta.
What’s collected
Every type of passenger car and truck tire is accepted into the tire recycling program. The over 5 million tires Albertans discard every year are diverted from landfills, shredded and put to good use once again as new products.
How tires are processed
Once scrap tires are collected they are shipped to registered scrap tire processors across the province (a listing of these companies is here). Once there, the tires are shredded and the metal is removed. Rubber shred can be further ground to a “crumb” state for remanufacturing.
What it becomes
Recycled rubber from processed scrap tires has a number of new uses, including:
- Lining for landfills, replacing expensive washed rock
- Safer playground surfaces
- Landscaping tiles
- Livestock mattresses and mats
- Roofing tiles and other building products
- Whatever innovative Albertans will think of next!
Click here for a list of Alberta rubber manufacturers and a listing of their products.
Paint Recycling
Albertans have always been able to take paint in to their hazardous household waste roundups for disposal. Most paints are actually recyclable. Latex can be remade into new latex, even if it has been frozen. Oil based paints can be used to produce other products such as fuels. Only a very small amount of the paints we use need to be disposed of as hazardous waste because they contain contaminants such as pesticides, leads and other solvents.
What paint is collected?
The list of eligible paints is available here. Most household paints, varnishes and stains are accepted in the program. Paint aerosols are also accepted. Solvents and paints with other chemicals added are not eligible. Non eligible paints can still be brought in to your local hazardous waste roundup.
How is Paint processed?
Alberta’s registered paint processors (a list is available here) collect the paint from the municipal collection sites, and also from commercial painting companies, and haul them to processing sites where the paint is separated and processed. As with electronics, some processing of paint and paint containers is handled by downstream processors. Alberta Recycling audits and approves every step in the processing stream.
What it becomes
Paint, for the most part, becomes paint. Oil based paint is most often used in fuel mixes to provide alternative fuel sources. Aerosol containers, paint cans and plastic pails are recycled as metals and plastics.
Environmentally conscious purchasers now have the option of using recycled paint, which will help reduce the growing supply of waste paint.