The two million small appliances in British Columbia destined for the landfill each year finally have a way out, and I'm a big fan. A new program called Unplugged, the Small Appliance Recycling Program will strive to do just that, diverting those small appliances previously destined for the dumpl while helping to reduce pollution, save energy, and protect the environment. More than 120 small appliances are covered, ranging from toasters and microwaves to countertop fans and vacuum cleaners - even electric toothbrushes are included.
The program will be self-funded in a manner similar to other take-back programs in British Columbia, such as electronics recycling. Consumers are charged a fee at the time of purchase to cover end-of-life recycling. Operating as a not-for-profit, any surplus stays in the program. Old appliances can be left at an authorized depot, where they are palletized and shipped to consolidation locations and ultimately onward to recycling processors.
How much are consumers charged? Fees generally range from $1 for an iron or hair dryer, to $10 for a large tabletop microwave. Nobody likes getting charged more, but it is worth the piece of mind to me to have an end-of-life option. What do you think?
Comments
Sounds like another tax. And certainly taxed to the yingyang in B.C. Great idea though in terms of recycling all that stuff that gets thrown out into the junk pile.
Enough is enough! – we are being taxed or fee’d until we are breaking! The lady in front of me @ Can Tire pd $2.45 for a $19.95 grinder. THat’s bizarre. How come we were never told about this or had it reported in the media.
Hi Pat,
Thanks for writing. For what it is worth, here is the response from the Recycling Council of British Columbia: Environmental Handling Fees reflect the cost of recycling the item you are purchasing. The collection of EHFs funds the recycling program, including depot operation, shipping and storage of collected electronics, and public education.
Charging EHF’s ensures that consumers accept responsibility for the entire life-cycle of the product they are purchasing, including the final disposal. This fee is charged at the point of purchase to allow “free” recycling drop-off. This increases participation in the recycling program.
The retailer may choose to display the EHF separately or as part of the total cost of the product. Displaying the fee separately helps educate consumers on the cost of disposal.
So there is the official response. If you disagree, I would recommend contacting your local MLA.