Electronic Waste Recycling

WHEREAS the problem of electronic waste e-waste is becoming epidemic up to 67,000 tons of electronic waste PCs, printers, TVsmonitors is placed in landfills yearly in Canada alone; AND WHEREAS e-waste is extremely toxic and hazardous and should be properly diposed of e-waste contains many toxic materials such as lead, beryllium, cadmium and flame retardants and is becoming a hazard to landfill workers and to the surrounding environment; AND WHEREAS many world-wide organizations, such as the European Union, have started recycling centres in Canada there is Electronics Product Stewardship Canada, Alberta has recently enacted legislation for a provincial e-waste program to start October 1, 2003, and some e-waste programs include a refurbishing and replacement of older equipment to schools, both locally and abroad: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Union of British Columbia Municipalities urge the Province of British Columbia to pass legislation and set up an e-waste recycling program at the earliest possible time; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this legislation and subsequent program work in conjunction with the local municipalities recycling programs.