The province is investing in a pilot project aimed at keeping more electronics out of the landfill.

The two-year $43 million pilot project is aimed at supporting job creation, growing the economy and helping municipalities divert more reusable material from landfills.

Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) will now be able to use reserve funds to recycle up to 24,600 tonnes of electronics products that were not accepted previously in the program.

Municipalities will receive funding for collecting the additional electronics included in the recycling expansion that they previously haven’t received compensation for.

The province believes the expanded program has the potential to inject $30 million annually into Alberta’s economy and support 360 additional full-time jobs in the recycling sector.

“These new jobs will come from increased demand for electronics collection and transportation, as well as jobs associated with processing and manufacturing the recycled material into new goods,” said Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks.

The current electronics program accepts display devices, desktop computers, portable computers, computer peripherals, desktop printers/multi-function devices, desktop and portable scanners, fax machines, floor-standing photocopiers/multi-function devices.

The expanded electronics recycling products include:

  • audio-visual equipment
  • telecom, cell phone and wireless devices
  • electronic gaming equipment
  • small home appliances
  • portable power tools
  • toys
  • musical instruments
  • solar panels.

There will be no cost to consumers to recycle the additional products during the pilot.