School Electronics Recycling Project Receives $60,000

The Provincial Government is once again investing $60,000 in a program that allows for the safe disposal of broken and outdated school computers.

“For the eighth consecutive year, our government is providing funding to Computers for Schools, Newfoundland and Labrador, to enable them to operate their Electronic Waste Recycling Project for Schools,” said the Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Education. “Since April 2005, there has been over 793 metric tonnes of e-waste taken from schools, and with 7,800 new computers brought into provincial schools under our government’s 21st Century Learning initiatives, the demand to properly and safely dispose of existing e-waste from our schools is continuing. This funding will be used to collect, package, transport and dispose of e-waste this year.”

The Computers for Schools program was co-founded in 1993 by Industry Canada and the Telecom Pioneers of Canada to refurbish computers and related equipment, donated by governments and businesses, for distribution across Canada for schools, libraries and non-profit learning organizations. The program ensures computer systems are reused and recycled so that they do not end up in landfill sites prematurely, and that there is a safe means of disposal when they do eventually outlive their usefulness.

“After 20 years of operation, it is good to know we are still making a difference to our children’s education and, in recent years, keeping our environment safe from toxic substances found in electronic waste,” said Boyd Summers, Chair of Computers for Schools, Newfoundland and Labrador. “The Computers for Schools program is very thankful for the Department of Education’s support.”

Minister Jackman noted the Computers for Schools program complements current industry and government efforts to enable residents and businesses to recycle and safely dispose of outdated electronics through the Extended Producer Responsibility program, operated by the Electronic Products Recycling Association. More information on that program, which was launched this past summer, can be viewed at: www.recycleMYelectronics.ca/nl. 

For more information on Computers for Schools, visit: www.computersforschoolsnl.ca/. 

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2013 09 12                              12:15 p.m.