HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE PROGRAMS

Manitoba Association for Resource Recovery Corp. (MARRC) 
www.usedoilrecycling.com

Automotive Antifreeze and containers

MARRC has operated a used oil, filters and containers stewardship program in Manitoba since 1997.  The program has 65 licensed depots throughout Manitoba and 10 licensed collection sites in Winnipeg, including six retail locations.  All these sites now accept used antifreeze and containers.

Used antifreeze often contains copper, zinc, lead and benzene from automobile engines and can pose several risks to the environment, animals and humans when leaked, spilled or dumped incorrectly.  Used antifreeze will be filtered and reused.

Call2Recycle
www.call2recycle.ca

Rechargeable Batteries
Single Use Batteries
Cell Phones

Call2Recycle is expanding its former rechargeable battery collection program to include all household single use batteries and cell phones.  There are approximately 200 retailers, businesses, communities and public agencies collecting batteries in Manitoba.

These batteries, whether rechargeable or ‘single use,’ are found in a variety of products  such as flashlights, laptop computers, smoke detectors, toys, cordless and cellular phones as well as power tools.

Batteries and cell phones will be recycled at a licensed facility where metals are reclaimed for use in new products such as new batteries and stainless steel. Cell phones are refurbished and resold when possible. A portion of the proceeds received from the resale of phones benefits selected charities.
 

Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada (HRAI)
www.hrai.ca

Mercury Containing Thermostats

Mercury-containing thermostats contain mercury switches (mercury in a sealed glass bulb) that control the flow of electrical current. The weight of the mercury dropping moves a spring, creating an on/off switching action. Each switch in a thermostat contains approximately 2.5 grams of mercury, and a thermostat can contain one to four switches. 

Mercury-containing thermostats have been in use for more than 50 years, but are no longer manufactured.  The government of Canada is working on a risk management strategy that will ban the sale, manufacture and import of all mercury-containing products into Canada by 2012.

Contractors/wholesalers will remove and collect thermostats and act as drop-off locations for the general public.  In remote regions of the province, a send back option is being piloted.  Thermostats will be sent to licensed recycling facilities, where they will be dismantled and the components recycled. 

Canadian Battery Association
www.canadianbatteryassociation.com

Interstate Battery System of Canada
www.interstatebatteries.com

Automotive Batteries

The Manitoba collection system for automotive (lead-acid) batteries is based on a reverse distribution program where retailers and distributors recover the end-of-life batteries.  Consumers pay a core charge or a deposit at purchase time; this is refunded when the battery is returned for recycling.

In addition to retail collection facilities available to Manitoba consumers, automotive and metal recyclers and wholesalers also collect batteries.  Pick up service is also offered to remove large quantities of batteries.

Both programs have operated informally in the province for some time and are achieving a recovery rate of more than 90%.  Focus for the programs will be on servicing remote communities and increasing the recovery rate.

Lead from waste batteries is reused to manufacture new batteries.  Plastic is also recycled and used in new battery manufacturing and other products. 

Post-Consumer Pharmaceutical Stewardship Association (PCPSA)
www.medicationsreturn.ca

Product Care Association
www.productcare.org

Phase 1 – May 1, 2012
Paint
Fluorescent lighting

Phase 2 – October 1, 2012
Household Pesticides
Solvents
Flammable liquids
Physically hazardous materials
Corrosive or toxic materials

Product Care Association (PCA) is a nonprofit corporation established by industry to manage product stewardship program for the safe collection and disposal of household hazardous waste.  The Manitoba program is being phased in, with collection of paint products and fluorescent lighting beginning on May 1, 2012.  Phase 2 of the program to collect products such as household pesticides, flammable and corrosive materials will be launched on October 1, 2012.

The program is funded through eco-fees on the sale of new products. 

Prescription Drugs
Over-the-counter medications
Natural health products in oral dosage form

PCPSA is a national non-profit organization funded by the pharmaceutical industry which is managing Medication Return Programs in several provinces.  In Manitoba, community pharmacies are collecting expired or unwanted prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications and natural health products in oral dosage form.

Products collected under this program will be disposed through incineration at government approved facilities.