OES in 2010: Celebrating a Successful Year and a Reminder of Year End Obligations for Stewards

At the beginning of 2010, the OES waste electronics recycling program included six material groups that were collected by approximately 275 approved collection sites and through 48 special events. With the April 1 launch of Phase 2, the program expanded to incorporate an additional 38 material types, bringing the overall total to 44 materials both obligated and accepted for reuse, refurbishment and recycling.

Together with our service provider partners we have expanded the infrastructure to collect and process materials and find new ways to reach out to residents and businesses to encourage their participation. As we enter 2011, more than 90% of Ontario residents can access an OES collection point within 25 km. of their home or business. Increasingly, Ontarians are becoming aware of and demonstrating their commitment to diverting unwanted electronics!

We’re proud of this year’s achievements and grateful for the dedication of our partners and all program stakeholders. We'd like to share some of the many great moments of 2010 with you. Please take a minute to view: The Path to Success…Diverting Unwanted Electronics in 2010.

Reporting on Results of the Collection Incentive Study

In 2010, AECOM was commissioned by OES to undertake a Collection Incentive Methodology Review. The study objectives were to review the economic drivers for collectors participating in the program and to assess whether existing incentives were sufficient.

Over the course of the study, the consultants visited 17 WEEE Collector Sites representative of the four regions (Central, East, West, and North) and the type of service provider (municipal, commercial, not-for-profit and retailers). Based on study results, the OES Board has decided that the current rates set as incentives for OES Collectors are adequate and will, therefore, remain the same for the remainder of this and next program year.

OES will continue to monitor and evaluate the system over time to determine if changes should be made to this incentive rate in the future.

New Retailer Information Brochure for Consumers

Over the past few months there has been some confusion regarding environmental handling fees (“EHF”) - sometimes referred to in the media as “eco fees” - that may be charged on electronic equipment. OES is committed to alleviating some of the challenges retailers may face with consumers when shopping for electronics and in turn address some of the frequently asked questions by consumers. To this end we have produced an FAQ (frequently asked questions) sheet, with accompanying steward fee schedule. This is intended to help address some of the key issues retailers might face surrounding the EHF that may be charged on electronics.

The FAQ sheet is available at the OES website. It can be downloaded directly from the “Retailer” webpage. Retailers can complete an online order form to request printed quantities. Please contact customer service if you have questions about how to obtain this new brochure: dial 1-888-646-1820 or email info@ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca.

We welcome your feedback and any suggestions on how better to support retailers and consumers with information on EHF that may be charged on electronics.

Fee Review Process for Coming Program Year

The first year of the Phase 2 WEEE program concludes on March 31, 2011. Early in 2011, OES will initiate consultation on Steward fees to prepare for the second year of this program. We will notify stakeholders as soon as plans are in place for this consultation. Please be sure to check back at the OES website and keep an eye on your inbox over the coming weeks. For more information: OES fee rates (April 1, 2010 March 31, 2011).

Information for Stewards, Remitters and Sub-Remitters

Steward Reports for November, 2010 Due December 30, 2010

If you are a Steward/Remitter or Sub-Remitter, you are probably tracking and reporting monthly the amount of EEE that you supply for use in Ontario. This is a reminder that your November report covering November 1 to 30 is due on Thursday, December 30, 2010.

For previous reporting dates see: Reporting Timelines.

For information on filing your OES Report: Guidebook 2: How to file an OES Report.

For information on invoices and payment options: Bits & Bytes Issue 89.

December 1, 2010 WEEE Program Rule Changes Affect Reporting

Previous issues of Bits and Bytes highlighted a number of changes related to the re-categorization of EEE products among material categories. The changes impact Steward/Remitter reporting and are incorporated in the current WEEE Program Rules for Stewards, which came into effect on December 1, 2010.

For detailed information on Rule changes –to ensure that you file your Report correctly for the period of December 1 to 31, 2010 by January 30, 201, we ask you to review the information presented in Bits & Bytes Issue 91 and Issue 92.