Effective April 1st, 2010 the Saskatchewan Waste Electronic Equipment Program (SWEEP) is expanding the number of products that can be recycled at SARCAN depots.

"We are pleased to add five new categories of products that can now be recycled mostly relating to audio and video equipment. This includes VCR's, DVD's, stereos and cameras," said SWEEP Executive Joan Meyer.

"The expansion reflects public demand for more recycling options and a commitment to product stewardship from the electronics industry and retailers," said Meyer.

The new product categories are in addition to the computers, televisions and printers currently recyclable through the non-profit industry-led stewardship program. Approximately 12 million pounds of waste electronic equipment has been diverted from the waste stream since 2007.

SWEEP is funded by an environmental handling fee (EHF) charged on the purchase of new equipment. The fee reflects the actual cost to recycle materials in the product when it has reached its end of life.

The fees in the expanded list of products range from $.40 for a portable CD player to $6.00 for a home theatre system. A full list of products and the EHFs can be found at www.sweepit.ca.

SWEEP notified retailers about the new EHFs in December of 2009 after the provincial government approved the regulations to expand the program.

Media Contact:
Joan Meyer, SWEEP Executive Director
(306) 373-9337 – Office
(306) 774-7661 – Cell
www.sweepit.ca

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