PROVINCE EXPANDS E-WASTE ROUND-UP INITIATIVE WITH HP CANADA, BEST BUY

July 20, 2007

PROVINCE EXPANDS E-WASTE ROUND-UP INITIATIVE WITH HP CANADA, BEST BUY

Manitoba is expanding its electronic waste (e-waste) round-up program with the support of HP Canada and Best Buy, Science, Technology, Energy and Mines Minister Jim Rondeau and Conservation Minister Stan Struthers announced today.

Starting today and until Aug. 2, the public can drop off any make or model of unwanted desktop computer, laptop, monitor or printer at Winnipeg Best Buy locations. In return, people taking advantage of this opportunity will be offered a discount of $25 off the purchase of a new HP or Compaq desktop computer, laptop, monitor or printer.

“The event demonstrates an effective partnership between government and major electronic manufacturers and retailers, and signals a shared commitment to take action to safeguard our environment,” said Rondeau.

“More collection sites, in addition to the 19 depots currently established in communities across the province, will make it easier for people to do the right thing when disposing of electronic waste,” said Struthers.

Manitoba’s first shipment of e-waste to Sims Recycling in Brampton, Ont., was delivered July 3. The amount of material dropped off to date totals approximately 55 tonnes. It is estimated that up to 500 tonnes of e-waste will be collected before the initiative concludes in September.

“Best Buy is thrilled to be a part of this initiative and to be able to work for the first time in this manner with the province and once again with our valued partner HP,” said Mike Pratt, senior vice-president of Best Buy. “We encourage the community and our customers to take advantage of this opportunity and look forward to seeing a great turnout at our stores.”

“Enabling consumers to responsibly recycle electronics products is integral to HP’s commitment to the environment,” said Lloyd Bryant, vice president and general manager, imaging and printing, HP Canada. “We look forward to further collaborating with the government of Manitoba and Best Buy to provide a simple and accessible program for electronics recycling.”

Electronic waste is one of four priority waste streams being addressed by the Manitoba government. An electronic stewardship regulation, currently being finalized for public consultation in the near future, will form the basis of a long-term solution to the problem of e-waste in Manitoba, said Rondeau.