News release

New Regulations Passed for E-Waste

Environment and Labour (Oct. 2000 - March 2008)

Nova Scotia will be cleaner and greener because of the province's new e-waste regulations. People will be able to drop off many electronic products for recycling at e-waste collection facilities throughout the province.

The government, in partnership with the electronics industry, announced regulations today, Feb. 23, which will prohibit the disposal of certain electronic products in Nova Scotia landfills.

"I am particularly impressed by the willingness of the electronics industry to take on the responsibility for this important aspect of the province's solid-waste management plan," said Mark Parent, Minister of Environment and Labour. "It was a pleasure to work with the industry on this important project."

Regulations will require the electronics industry to ensure the safe and environmentally friendly management of their products.

"Our industry is pleased take on the responsibility to ensure environmental management of our products," said David Betts, president and CEO of Electronic Product Stewardship Canada. "During the next several months, we will work with our partners to develop an effective plan to collect and recycle our products."

When disposing of old electronic products, consumers will be able to drop off their products at collections facilities throughout the province, free of charge.

It is anticipated e-waste collection facilities will be ready to start accepting computers, televisions and printers by Feb. 1, 2008.

The cost of the program will be covered by the electronics industry. The industry may charge consumers a fee when purchasing new products. Any fees collected by industry will be used to cover program costs and will not be sent to government.

Estimates show that more than 4,500 tonnes of electronic product waste is generated in Nova Scotia annually.

For more information on e-waste regulations, see the Department of Environment and Labour website at www.gov.ns.ca/enla .