Why has WEEE been centered out for a special diversion program?
In Ontario, more than 91,000 tonnes of electrical and electronics equipment are available for reuse and recycling every year. About one-quarter of it is being managed properly. Under normal usage, unwanted electronics poses little or no hazards. However, many electronic products do contain materials such as lead, cadmium and mercury, that if not handled properly could have environmental impacts and cause health and safety concerns. Thus, the safe handling and proper management of WEEE at the end of its life is crucial. The Minister of the Environment designated WEEE for a special diversion program to ensure that unwanted electronics are reused or recycled, and to stem the flow of these materials to landfill or improper processing in developing nations.
