New Brunswick residents now have an expanded array of choices for recycling electronics, including household items. Starting from January 1, the range of recyclable items has approximately doubled, as stated by Karen Ulmanis, who serves as the program director in New Brunswick for the Electronic Products Recycling Association. This marks the first update to the list in almost nine years.
“People no longer need to wonder what can be recycled. Essentially, if it’s a plugged-in item at home, it can likely be recycled,” Ulmanis explained. Previously limited to items like televisions, stereos, computers, laptops, and phones, the list now encompasses a wider range, including household appliances such as coffee makers, toasters, hair dryers, vacuum cleaners, and electric toothbrushes.
However, devices containing freon, a gas used in air conditioners, remain excluded from the list. Ulmanis advised contacting local landfills for proper disposal of freon-containing devices. The organization, also known as Recycle My Electronics, maintains a website informing New Brunswickers about recyclable items and their designated drop-off locations.
The disposal of these items requires visiting a collection site or a retail store, rather than including them in curbside recycling pickups. The website provides a map displaying the nearest drop-off spots and their availability. In the Fredericton area, drop-off locations include city hall, Best Buy, Best Metal Bottles, and the Salvation Army.
For items like phones and laptops with personal data, Fredericton City Hall offers a secure drop-off service. Ulmanis assured that all electronics received are stored securely until destruction. She recommended wiping data from devices before disposal, ideally through a factory reset.
Businesses can arrange for large pickups through the association’s website. The updated electronics recycling list aligns with legislative changes to New Brunswick’s Clean Environment Act in July 2024, reflecting the increasing concern over electronic waste (e-waste) in Canada. A study from the University of Waterloo in 2023 highlighted a threefold increase in e-waste over the past two decades, citing a rise in e-waste generation per person from 8.3 kg in 2000 to 25.3 kg in 2020.
Shruti Shekar, editor-in-chief at Android Central, emphasized the importance of responsible disposal of electronics, cautioning against throwing them in the garbage. Shekar recommended utilizing buy-back programs or the second-hand market for electronics disposal. She also mentioned options like Apple’s trade-in program for old devices and selling items on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or Kijiji.
Regarding purchasing new technology, Shekar advised buyers to consider the necessity of the latest gadgets and opt for refurbished products from reputable retailers like Walmart or Best Buy. She highlighted the longevity of electronic devices, suggesting that older models can still serve their purpose effectively.