P.E.I. expands its electronics recycling program again

Prince Edward Islanders can now recycle more of their unwanted gear instead of sending it to the landfill. 

The new items accepted as of Oct. 1 include personal devices such as smartwatches and virtual-reality headsets, small electric vehicles such as e-bikes and e-scooters, and exercise equipment with electronic components.

"When we recycle our products, like … treadmills and Fitbits and e-bikes, it helps to keep our landfills from filling so quickly," Charlottetown-Belvedere MLA Susie Dillon said at a launch event for the expanded program.

"It's so important on an island that doesn't have a lot of land."

For years, P.E.I. has been able to accept for recycling such electronic devices as TVs and computers. In recent years, the list of where those items can be dropped off has expanded to include independent depots that accept bottles and scrap metal for recycling.

The province is always trying to expand what can be recycled, so a few years ago, vacuum cleaners and other small appliances were added to the list.

"Some of the technologies that we're recycling here today — smartwatches, e-bikes, e-scooters — that represent an expansion of the program, these are products that were largely unavailable 15 years ago," said Barry Jackson, manager of product stewardship and regulatory affairs for the province.

"As these products enter the marketplace, it's important to have a plan."

There are still items Jackson would like to see added to the list, such as small power tools and solar panels.

Down the road, there could come a day when textiles and mattresses are accepted for recycling as well.