Montreal Tech Watch

Bureau en gros, aka Staples shops will accept from 12th of September used eletronics, ie old laptops, desktops, printers computer accessories, digital cameras and cell phones as well. They will then send them to recycling. La vie en vert, a Télé-Québec show, is at the core of the initiative, and will promote the recycling program from September. (source)

According to Environment Canada, an average CRT computer monitor contains 1.8 kilograms of lead and other heavy metals like mercury and cadmium. Lead affects the human central nervous system and kidneys, while mercury can lead to brain damage, birth defects, kidney failure, respiratory harm and liver damage. It has also been linked to autism in children. Electronic equipment also contains chemicals such as hexavalent chromium, brominated flame-retardants and polyvinyl chlorides, which can pollute groundwater.

Recycling used electronics, instead of sending them to the dump, is an welcomed initiative, although there was no information on where exactly are the recylcing centers. The program would be stupid if they send the parts to china.