The Quebec government announced a proposal that will require companies manufacturing electronics to pay for recycling once the products are redundant.
An ongoing study being run by the Environment Ministry is looking at modifications for current waste disposal law. The ministry, which hopes to pass the new law by the close of this year, will require all firms selling electronics, from light bulbs to batteries, in Quebec to pay for the means for consumers to recycle them.
Under the new amendments, electronics companies must implement schemes to collect unwanted products, outsource them to be recycle and pay the bill for the service. The law will also require that companies advertise the recycling option to their customers.
The rules will also aim to set new recycling targets, with a proposed reduction of up to 40 per cent of electronic items recycled in four years time. Head of waste management services in Quebec, Lucie Bouchard, said that Ontario and BC have already adopted similar strategies as called for by the board of provincial environment ministers.
Several firms in Quebec will not be effected by the new law as they have already implemented electronic waste collection services. Best Buy, Future Shop and Bureau en Gros are among these companies. Ms Bouchard added that the law will place responsibility with the companies to provide sustainable ways for the disposal of their products.
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