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Letters: The cost of recycling

Disposal of electronic items should not cost further

Like many people in Sooke this season I was lucky enough to receive a new TV from my wife for Christmas. Encouraged by almost constant reminders of the importance of recycling I researched facilities that would responsibly recycle electronics. I contacted ENCORP and found a waste station on Marilyn Road. I confirmed that under no circumstances was there a depot cost for drop off. As anyone who has purchased electronics knows the fee  for recycling is collected at purchase.

Off I went to fulfill my commitment to recycle then it all fell apart. I drove to the advertised facility.  The state of the facility was only the first of my surprises. I recognise that waste disposal and recycling are rarely pretty but to say the state of the operation was staggering would be a polite description.

I explained  my reason for dropping in and proceeded to unload my un-damaged flat screen TV.  It was only at this point that I was informed I had to pay.  I tried to explain that I had confirmed with ENCORP that recycling a TV was free. I was sternly informed I would be charged whatever they wished and that ENCORP does not tell me what to do.”

Here are the facts.  This recycler is paid by ENCORP to collect e- waste. They are not permitted by contract to charge anything for this service. This was direct from the brass I called at ENCORP.  Please take your  e-waste to these people as they are paid to collect it.

For those of you who have  paid the extortion money… go get a refund your deserve it.

Since the whole waste disposal issue is a hot button topic in our town these days I would think that operator would be more aware of their civic responsibility. I am sure that when our council allows a waste disposal operation they consider its contribution to the community.  A huge consideration would have to be e-waste.

I understand that ENCRP has contacted the operator and informed them they are not permitted to charge a fee.  So folks let’s all do the right thing and recycle our electronics now that it is in fact free. As for me, my television is still in my van so I guess I will see you all there.

Here is ENCORP’s link  http://www.return-it.ca/locations/capital-regional-district/

Graham Marshall

Sooke