Over the holidays, many people get new electronic gear.
But did you know that the B.C. government can help you get rid of your old gadgets, while keeping your private information safe at the same time?
“A challenge people face when disposing of old computers or smartphones is they don’t know how to safely erase the data stored on these devices,” says Mary McNeil, minister of Citizens’ Services. “Through our electronics recycling drop-off points and a specialized shredder, we can help you do both.”
In 2007, Asset Investment Recovery partnered with Encorp Pacific to be a Return-It Electronics drop-off location. Since then, the three locations have kept more than 1.5 million kilograms of electronics out of the landfill.
A newly expanded list of acceptable electronic equipment can be found on the Encorp website at www.encorp.ca/electronics/acceptable.
This e-waste is processed in Canada and the U.S., and no products are shipped offshore to developing countries.
The Encorp program is funded by the environmental handling fee (EHF) levied on the sale of new products. As such, all end-of-life products are recycled free of charge.
The Courtenay Return Centre is located at 493 Puntledge Rd. and is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call 250-338-6013.
To find out more about the program, visit www.encorp.ca/electronics. — Encorp
