Does EPS Canada have a solution today for the problem of electronic waste? EPS Canada members have agreed that industry will step up to the challenge of electronics waste management and develop a national solution through a consultative process. We expect that it will be early 2004 before a plan can be implemented. How is the solution being developed? Our national action plan reflects experience from our member companies, consultants experienced in the field, and programs that have been introduced for electronics in other countries. We continue to consult with governments, municipalities, recyclers and all stakeholders in Canada to refine our plan. One of our key principles as we move forward is to remain flexible with the details of the plan and the process for implementation. What will the plan look like? While still evolving, the plan will be a national program that will serve all Canadians, yet still have the flexibility to be implemented on a provincial basis and carried out by individual partners. The plan will establish environmental handling fees across the country for each major electronics product line. There will be national reporting to ensure transparency and accountability. An environmental handling fee will be created for the various products and charged to consumers without markup. These fees will be collected nationally and redistributed to provincial/regional organizations to manage local recycling. New provincial regulations will require a level playing field with participation from all companies. Waste management is a provincial responsibility. How are you planning to deal with different provincial systems? Our goal is to develop a national program with standard environmental handling fees and reporting across the country while still allowing for provincial flexibility. This is a model that is in place today in many European countries and is considered a key element of successful program implementation. What do you define as electronics? Initially, the program will focus on personal computers, monitors, televisions, laptop computers and printers. Additional electronics material will be added as the program develops. Do TVs or computers pose a health problem to the average user? Electronics equipment contains small amounts of materials that are defined as hazardous waste. Under normal usage, electronics equipment poses absolutely no hazards. The issue arises at the end-of-life stage when products in landfills begin to break down. At this stage, leachate containing materials like lead, cadmium and mercury may begin to contaminate the environment. What should consumers do with obsolete equipment now? Usable electronics can often be donated to charities and schools, and there are currently reuse and recycling options in various communities. A number of large corporations have programs that take back any of the manufacturer's products, and consumers should check the Web site of the manufacturer of the product to see if a program is available. As well, many communities have electronic waste collection. Consult with your municipality. [ Top ]