The Alberta government is not only making its pilot e-waste recycling program permanent, starting in April 2025, but is also expanding its list of recyclable items from 12 to more than 500, the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) announced.
While the province’s official e-waste pilot program didn’t begin until 2020, ARMA’s six processing locations have recycled more than 11.6 million commonplace electronics since 2004.
By next year, more items will have the potential to be saved from landfill under the program, including power tools, cell phones, electric guitars, video game equipment and coffee makers, to name a few. These electronic items can be dropped off at any of the 365 registered recycling depots in 148 municipalities across the province.
The electronics program expansion will divert an estimated 5,500 tonnes of additional electronic waste from Alberta landfills each year. The program currently diverts about 8,500 tonnes per year, according to ARMA. In 2023, the ARMA program diverted 229 tonnes of lead, 0.30 kg of mercury, 3.23 kg of cadmium, 9.70 kg of beryllium, and 1.08 tonnes of antimony from landfill.
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The environmental fees Albertans pay when purchasing new electronics help fund the cost of recycling them. Consumers may be required to pay between 40 cents and $1 when purchasing newly-designated electronic products under the expanded recycling program.
Over the last four years of the e-waste pilot program, government officials said they were able to gain confidence about the recycling pathways for a number of items, which give them the greenlight to make the recycling program permanent.
“ARMA’s expanded Electronics Recycling Program is protecting our environment, fostering innovation and shaping tomorrow’s solutions,” announced ARMA CEO, Ed Gugenheimer, in a statement. “By managing e-waste and tackling the complexities of renewable energy materials head on, we’re creating new opportunities, new industries and more jobs and building our circular economy. It means a more sustainable future without waste for Alberta.”
Recycling modern devices carries risk as well. When it comes to ear pods or vapes that contain batteries, fire risk is a concern for waste handlers. It’s why ARMA has invested $250,000 to help Edmonton-based Quantum Lifecycle Partners LP install an AI-powered X-ray system capable of scanning material and identifying embedded batteries. Installed in Edmonton, the system will allow Quantum to focus its time and labour on those devices that specifically contain hazards, resulting in higher productivity, better quality commodity recovery, and a safer environment for workers.
Alberta’s government and the Alberta Recycling Management Authority will also start consulting with experts and industry partners on steps needed to set up a permanent provincial renewable energy recycling program. This will include exploring what new programs and policies are needed to support solar panel recycling, including any potential fees or landfill bans.
