tv, computer recycling on the increase - small home appliances

In Alberta, shoppers are recycling record numbers of electronics as they realize that additional "green" fees are required to buy a new flat-screen TV or a faster computer.
In 2001, Calgary launched a project to recycle old computers and televisions. Last year 1.
4 million of old electronic products were recovered, up from 515,000 kg in 2005.
"It's just a huge increase in the last few years," said Mike Saley, manager of waste and recycling services.
Edmonton also saw a jump, 1.
Television and computer parts recovered last year were 1 million, compared to 896,000 kg in 2005.
This increase has partly benefited from the environmental tax imposed by the province in 2004.
The cost of a new TV ranges from $15 to $45, and the cost of a new computer device ranges from $5 to $12.
While buyers of new products cannot get a refund from recycling old equipment, many people will learn about the project when buying new equipment at the checkout counter.
Old computers and TVs are free for recycling.
Skristina Dembinski, a recycling project for Alberta recycling, said all the money was spent directly on recycling projects.
"These environmental costs are used to collect, transport and recycle unused and unwanted electronic products.
It is also used to research new recycling technologies as well as public information and awareness
The same is true of construction projects.
"In order to meet the public demand for the project, the city has just added the ninth e-recycling website.
According to Environment Canada, the old equipment contains hazardscording, and Canada's landfill has accumulated more than 140,000 tons of computer equipment, telephones, televisions, sound and small household appliances every year.
Average cathode-ray tube (CRT)
Computer monitors include 1.
Lead and other heavy metals such as mercury and cadmium are 8 kilograms.
Lead affects the human central nervous system and kidneys, while mercury causes brain damage, birth defects, kidney failure, respiratory damage, and liver damage.
This is also related to autism in children.
Electronic equipment also contains chemicals such as chromium and Bromo flame-
Pesticides and PVC that pollute groundwater.
However, these products also contain valuable materials such as recyclable aluminum, black metal and copper.