There's good news for those who are reluctant to toss those old hair dryers, toasters and telephones out with their regular trash.
On April 1 Prince George residents will have the opportunity to recycle small appliances keeping them out of the landfill.
It's too early to say where this will happen but the when is set to go in just a few weeks.
This subject and many others will be discussed during the Recycling and Environmental Action Society annual general meeting held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday at the main branch of the Prince George Public Library.
Brock Macdonald, executive director of the Recycling Council of B.C., Canada's longest-serving council, will be the guest speaker at the meeting and will discuss the eight product stewardship programs in the province, including the soon-to-be implemented small appliance recycling.
"This is so exciting," said Terri McClymont, REAPS executive director.
There is a detailed list of products accepted for recycling at www.cesarecycling.ca, under consumers, click on products accepted. There are seven categories of items to be recycled including air treatment, kitchen countertop, floor care, personal care, garment care, time measurement and weight measurement.
Another big initiative that will be soon addressed is product packaging.
"The Ministry of Environment's product stewardship organization is in discussions with national grocers in order to get manufacturers to start reducing the amount of packaging they are putting on their products," said McClymont. A Canada-wide action plan is recommended by 2015 and the Ministry of Environment is also looking to recycle more household hazardous waste. Antifreeze will be recyclable as of July 2011.
"Recycling for large appliances, medical devices, lighting equipment, leisure sports equipment - all that sort of stuff is coming July 2012," said McClymont. "They're really expanding what we're able to recycle."
Each year nominees are sought for positions on the board of directors for REAPS and this will be addressed at the meeting as well.
