From microwaves to exercise machines, used electrical appliances in Vanderhoof have the chance to get a second life this summer.
On July 28, ElectroRecycle program set up shop at Vanderhoof’s Farmers’ Market to take in old or dysfunctional electrical appliances that would otherwise end up in the landfill.
Accepting over 300 household appliances, the province-wide program is venturing into northern B.C. to raise awareness of electronic recycling and provide an opportunity to do so locally, said the program’s recycling ambassador Will Chaster.
“We haven’t done a lot of outreach in the Bulkley-Nechako region,” Chaster said. “We are happy to visit places where they don’t have these programs readily available.
“So people can get rid of them in a responsible way.”
In Prince George, the old or broken products are packaged and shipped to Chilliwack, where the components will be separated for reuse, Chaster explained.
Those who missed the one-day opportunity in town can still dispose of their unwanted products in Prince George, where three depots take in small electronic appliances and power tools.
“We recognize that not everyone wants to make the trek out of town,” he said. “You can make it a neighbourhood event.”
The nearest depots for Vanderhoof recyclers to dispose of electronic appliances are in Prince George: Return-It depots on 6665 Hart Highway and 2614 Petersen Road, and Salvation Army on 3500 18th Avenue.
In Vanderhoof, Julia and Chris Mushumanski dropped off a bread maker, cordless phones, as well as a 25-year-old cordless drill.
“That’s a frustration with electronics today, can’t get replacement parts or they are more expensive than a new one,” Chris said. “We need [these recycling opportunities] to be encourage more, so we can reduce our environmental impact.”