Now that the holiday season is over, BC Hydro is encouraging customers to recycle their old electronics and small appliances as a way to save energy and money.
With electronic items, such as laptops, televisions and tablets, as well as small appliances being popular gifts for the holidays, many have older products they will no longer use.
On top of creating clutter, if left plugged in, old electronics and appliances can contribute to a higher electricity bill by being a source of standby power. This can account for up to 10 per cent of a household’s electricity use.
For example, an old television left plugged-in for one year uses enough electricity to wash about 119 loads of laundry.
BC Hydro customers looking to reduce post-holiday clutter, or who have recently upgraded small appliances or electronics can recycle most items for free at a local Return-It or ElectroRecycling depot.
Some of the accepted products at ElectroRecycling depots include:
• Small kitchen appliances, including blenders, kettles, coffee makers and toasters.
• Home appliances and devices, including digital alarm clocks, vacuums and oil-filled space heaters.
• Personal appliances, such as hair dryers, curlers and rechargeable toothbrushes.
• Power tools, such as drills, grinders and power saws.
Some of the accepted products at Return-It depots include:
• Home electronics, such as televisions, desktop and laptop computers, tablets, telephones and electronic children’s toys.
For more information or to find a local recycling depot, visit electrorecycle.ca and return-it.ca.
There are two recycling depots in Quesnel.
• Northern Recycling at 980 Carson Pit Road is open Monday through Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The company accepts small appliances and power tool and oversized products.
• CM Recycling Ltd. at 1265 Sam Toy Avenue is open Tuesday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The company also accepts small appliances, power tools and oversized product.