Unplugged - a new recycling program launches in British Columbia

Starting on October 1st, British Columbians will be able to recycle even more, thanks to the launch of yet another Product Stewardship Program called unplugged.  This is the first of its kind in Canada - a recycling program for small appliances.

Product stewardship programs put the onus of recycling on the producers and manufacturers of products within their respective product category.  Legislation (the Environmental Management Act) requires producers to take responsibility for the life cycle management of their products, including collection and recycling.  There are several programs already in existence: tires, batteries, beverage containers, pharmaceuticals, paint, pesticides, flammables, used oil, and electronics.

Unplugged is really just an extension of the existing electronics recycling program, with new product categories being phased in over time (next phase will include pretty much everything electronic that is not already part of a recycling program - due to be launched on July 1, 2012).

So what does this mean to consumers? As with other stewardship programs, you will notice a recycling fee on your next purchase of a small appliance. This recycling fee goes towards funding the recycling program.  

There are many products accepted in the program - go to the unplugged website to find out about what is included in the recycling program. 

There are three locations in the Thompson-Nicola region that will accept small appliances. In Kamloops, at the Lorne Street Bottle Depot on Halston Avenue, or General Grants North Shore Bottle Depot on Fortune Drive.  In Merritt you can take your appliances to the George Hale Transfer Depot on Clapperton Road.