It’s probably a good bet that most homes have at least one piece of electronic junk collecting dust in a closet or the garage. Spring is here, the season of new beginnings, and a time to harness your energy into tossing out unwanted clutter.
The 3069 Royal Canadian Army Cadets from St. Albert are organizing the 2nd annual Electronics Recycling Roundup slated to run from April 12 to 29. For the two-week duration, cadets are parking a full-size sea-can to collect the electronic items in the parking lot of the St. Albert Legion, 7 Tache St. There is no charge to dump approved items.
The cadets’ support committee has partnered with Shanked Computer Recycling for a dual purpose: to reduce electronic waste that would end up in a landfill and as a fundraiser for the cadets.
Shanked Computer Recycling (SCR) is an audited and approved recycler working with the Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA). As a processor, Shanked collects and dismantles electronics in an eco-friendly manner that helps reduce waste.
When Alberta's electronics recycling program first rolled out, it accepted mainly televisions, computers, laptops, tablets and small office equipment such as printers, scanners and fax machines. In 2020, Alberta Recycling Management Authority (ARMA) launched an E-pilot program that broadened the scope to nearly 500 items.
The extensive list includes electronic lawn and garden tools, power and air tools, household appliances, audio visual devices and equipment, games, toys and music apparatus. Almost anything with a plug.
“We were tickled with the results last year. It was dual purpose. It allowed us to fundraise and support the community and environment at the same time,” said Linda LaBonte, the 3069 Army Corps Support Committee chair.
In 2023, the army cadets collected 1.15 metric tons. Through the Electronics Recycling Roundup (ERR) Grant, the cadets received $1,200. Most of the waste donated included old printers, copiers, scanners, laptops, computers, visual displays and television sets.
For 2024, the ERR grant provides $500 per metric ton.
LaBonte explained fundraisers are necessary since the Department of National Defense only partially subsidizes the Royal Canadian Army Cadet Program, an equal-opportunity program that encourages leadership training and outdoor expeditions.
“There are no fees. The DND provides uniforms and the basic cost for training. But there is extra stuff, like the Christmas Mess at the Legion, that isn’t paid for. The Christmas Mess is important because it cements in the children’s minds the uniqueness of this program and it ties them to the community.”
Cadets from age 12 to 19 meet on Wednesdays at CFB from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. In addition to running drills and training for marches, cadets play team games, learn marksmanship, and participate in outdoor weekend expeditions where they learn survival skills.
An extensive list of permitted recyclable items is available at armaepilot.com/product-list/.
