As technology advances, computers and associated equipment are becoming obsolete at an increasingly rapid rate. Studies show that in 2002, Canadians discarded 79,108 tonnes of obsolete IT equipment, of which only 8.5 per cent was recycled. The remainder was, for the most part, sent to landfills. By the year 2005, the amount if IT waste destined for disposal is expected to almost double.

Not only are the increasing volumes of IT waste a concern, but this type of equipment contains a multitude of hazardous materials, such as lead,
mercury and cadmium. These materials can leach out of the equipment in landfills causing harm to the environment. For this reason, many municipalities are taking action to divert this type of equipment from their landfill sites.

Computers also contain various commercially valuable materials, such as copper, steel, aluminum and various precious metals. Disposing of these materials in landfills, instead of recycling them, depletes these valuable natural resources as well as the energy required to extract and process them into new materials.

Recycling obsolete IT equipment is a viable option. It reduces the amount of waste destined for landfills, protects the environment and conserves valuable natural resources and the energy required to process them.

The Government of Canada is working with provincial and
territorial governments, as well as, the IT industry and electronics recyclers to promote the development of a nationally consistent Extended Producer
Responsibility Program for collection, recycling and management of end-of life, information technology equipment.

As an industry funded non-profit corporation, Electronics Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC), has been working towards developing a national plan to address the end-of-life management of IT and consumer electronics products in Canada. Other key partners engaged in this project include the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, provincial recycling councils and the National Research Council.