For immediate release

December 29, 2009

RECYCLE OLD COMPUTERS & BATTERIES THIS
HOLIDAY SEASON

MERLIN—Chatham-Kent-Essex MPP Pat Hoy is reminding people to keep their old electronics and batteries out of landfills by recycling them this holiday season.

“Santa Claus may have delivered some new computers and other electronics this Christmas, so it’s important that people recycle their old equipment and batteries to reduce landfill waste,” said Hoy. “Last December, Canadians spent nearly $1 billion on televisions and audio and video equipment, so we need to keep toxics out of the environment, and provide valuable materials for use in new products.”

Hoy pointed out there are recycling and reuse programs in place for waste electronics and diversion programs for household hazardous waste products like batteries. Visit www.dowhatyoucan.ca to find the nearest location to drop off these products for recycling or reuse.

Locally, locations include all Staples locations in Chatham, Leamington, Windsor and Sarnia; Computers for Kids through CAW Local 200 at 4150 Sandwich Street, Windsor; and Transfer Station 2 Public Drop Off Depot at 2021 County Road 3, Kingsville (this location open only to residents of Leamington and Essex County, including Windsor); and Digital Friends, 1121 Evett Street, Sarnia.

“This holiday season, do your part to keep your used electronics and batteries out of landfills. With convenient drop off locations in the community, it’s even easier to do the right thing for the environment,” said Hoy.

Starting in April 2010, Ontarians will be able to recycle their unwanted MP3 players, cell phones, stereos, speakers and cameras.

· There are more than 500 collection sites for electronics across Ontario.
· Ontario households and businesses generate about 85,000 tonnes of old or obsolete computers televisions, copiers, phones, and stereos each year.

Find out about Waste Diversion Ontario (www.wdo.ca) and all diversion programs in Ontario, including the blue box, household hazardous waste, waste electronics, and used tires programs.

Learn about the Ontario Electronics Stewardship (www.ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca) and its waste electronics program.

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Media Contact: Mike Ferguson, 519-351-0510