Canadians are using more electronics every year, with many ending up in landfills when they’re no longer in use. At the same time, there are currently no dedicated programs for recycling renewable energy materials, which could create major waste management problems in future, while missing an opportunity to recover resources.
To keep more waste out of landfills, the Alberta government has announced that it will be expanding its recycling program. Starting next year, Alberta will begin permanently recycling more than 500 additional electronic items, including cell phones, power tools and microwaves. The province will also start developing Canada’s first provincial recycling programs for solar panels, electric vehicle batteries and wind turbine components. The provincial government seeks to make Alberta’s recycling system the most comprehensive in Canada.
“Building on the success of the Electronics Recycling Pilot Program, we are stepping up to reduce waste and create the best recycling system in Canada – especially when it comes to proactively addressing materials from wind and solar electricity,” says Rebecca Schulz, Alberta’s Minister of Environment and Protected Areas. “We’re not just focused on what Albertans want to recycle today, but also what they are going to want to recycle 20 years from now.”
Expanding electronics recycling
Alberta’s regulated Electronics Recycling Program currently includes only computer equipment and televisions. Since 2020, the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) has run an Electronics Recycling Pilot Program, helping communities recycle more than 500 different types of electronic items.
Starting April 1, 2025, this pilot will become a permanent, province wide part of Alberta’s recycling system, enabling Albertans to recycle more electronic items, including:
- power tools
- lawn and garden equipment
- small appliances (e.g., microwaves, coffee machines, digital bathroom scales)
- cell phones / telephones
- A/V devices (e.g., speakers, DVD players, VCRs)
- musical instruments (e.g., electric guitars, keyboards)
- video game equipment
- toys
These electronic items can be dropped off at any of the 365 registered recycling depots in 148 municipalities across the province.
“ARMA’s expanded Electronics Recycling Program is protecting our environment, fostering innovation and shaping tomorrow’s solutions,” said Ed Gugenheimer, chief executive officer of the ARMA.
“By managing e-waste and tackling the complexities of renewable energy materials head on, we’re creating new opportunities, new industries and more jobs and building our circular economy. It means a more sustainable future without waste for Alberta. I want to extend my gratitude to the Government of Alberta for its unwavering support, which has been crucial in our efforts.”
Recycling renewable energy materials
There are currently no dedicated solar panel recycling programs or facilities in Canada, despite estimates that up to 800,000 tonnes of solar panels could reach end of life by around 2050. Similarly, there are no provincial wind turbine recycling programs and only Quebec offers a voluntary, industry-led EV battery recovery program.
Alberta’s government and ARMA will start consulting with experts and industry partners on steps needed to set up a permanent provincial renewable energy recycling program. This will include exploring what new programs and policies are needed to support solar panel recycling, including any potential fees or landfill bans. At the same time, the province will also begin exploring steps needed to set up wind turbine and EV battery recycling programs in the future.
Innovative strategy
ARMA is also investing in new recycling technologies. For example, one of the biggest challenges in the electronics recycling industry is processing electronics – such as ear pods or vapes – that contain batteries. As seemingly everything goes cordless, there is a growing list of applicable devices from hand mixers to sunglasses where fire risk is a concern for waste handlers.
ARMA invested $250,000 to help Quantum Recycling install an AI-powered X-ray system, which is capable of scanning material and auto identifying which item in the e-waste stream contains hazardous waste in real time, primarily targeting embedded batteries. Installed in Edmonton, the system will allow Quantum to focus its time and labour on those devices that specifically contain hazards, resulting in higher throughput, better quality commodity recovery and a safer environment for its workers.
For further information, visit: Alberta Recycling Management Authority
