The Environmental Handling Fees (EHF) collected from Ontario stewards go toward covering the program’s direct costs of collection, transportation, consolidation, end-of-life management and administration for unwanted electronics. Funds are also used for public education and awareness, research and development, continuous improvements in technology and program execution. A complete list of current fees can be found on our About Fees page.
FAQs
1What are Environmental Handling Fees charged on electronic items used for?
2Is the fee a tax?
No. Monies collected do not go to government, therefore these EHF are not a tax and should not be communicated as such.
3Can retailers charge consumers “environmental handling fees” when they purchase these products?
It is up to the individual companies and their retail customers how to handle the fee for the sale of new electronics. Some merchants will internalize the cost, while others may charge consumers environmental handling fees at the point of purchase with the appropriate notice prior to sale of new products.
4Can a retailer charge more than the fee listed?
No. Fees charged at the time of purchase should not exceed the EHF for that item. Consumers have recourse to escalate to the Ministry of Consumer Services’ consumer-protection hotline if they may have been charged an inappropriate fee.
5If a consumer returns a new electronic item, is the EHF charged reimbursed?
If charged at point of sale, a retailer should refund any fees that were applied if that product is returned.
6Can a retailer charge for the sale of reused or refurbished electronics?
No. EHF are only charged on new equipment.
7What if an item is exchanged– say a laptop for a cell phone – what fee is applied?
The retailer should refund any fee that was applied at the point of purchase for a particular item, and charge the appropriate EHF for the item being purchased.
8How is this program being funded?
The program is funded by fees paid to OES by the producers that make them. It’s called a “producer responsibility” model. Funds collected are used exclusively to pay for collection, transportation, warehousing and processing of electronic waste, as well as research and education programs to encourage greater electronic equipment reuse and recycling, and prevent these items from getting to landfill.
9Where can we find information on these fees?
A complete list of current fees can be found on our About Fees page.
10How often do fees change?
We continually monitor the cost to operate the program and assess fees annually. On August 1st, 2011, we reduced most fees. We made the reductions after consulting with industry partners and revising our projections on the amount of fee revenue needed to operate the program going forward. When fees change, OES gives ample and frequent notice to allow for programming of systems, training of staff and communications development.
11We would like to take part in the program. How can we do it? What is the difference between a collector, service provider and an affiliate?
An OES service provider contracts directly with OES. An affiliate works directly with an OES-approved processor, which handles end-of-life electronics collected through either the OES collection network or their own network or both. A collector can be a private, non-profit or municipal organization that agrees to collect designated end-of life electronics on behalf of the OES.
12What incentives are available to retailers that also participate as collectors?
OES-approved collection sites receive a weight-based financial incentive of $150 to $235/tonne based on collection set-up for the designated materials that they receive, sort and prepare for transport by an OES-approved service provider. For more information, please visit ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca.
13What support does OES provide to retailers that take part in the program?
OES can provide everything from collection incentives, promotion and education material and assistance with collection events. To learn more, please contact us at 1-888-646-1820 or services@ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca
14Why should we collect end-of-life electronics for OES instead of a non-OES affiliated recycler?
OES and its approved primary processors ensure that the electronics collected are recycled safely and securely, and in an environmentally appropriate manner here in Ontario. In addition, OES approved processors have to meet the Electronics Recycling Standard, a very high standard for protection of human health and the environment, and their compliance to the standard is verified by third party auditors.
15What are the options for collection at my location?
A prospective collector has two options: join OES as an OES collection site or become a generator site associated with an OES-approved primary processor. Both options allow you to collect end-of-life electronics safely and securely.
16How much space will we need to collect end-of-life electronics?
If you work with OES we will pick up a minimum of six skids of end-of-life electronics at a time. Six skids require a space equivalent to about 100 square ft of floor space.
17Can we charge customers for the collection service?
No. Ontarians who bring their unwanted electronics to an OES collection site or event can do so for free. OES pays a financial incentive for approved collectors for the end-of-life electronics collected.
18How do we receive compensation?
If your retail location is an OES collection site, you will be compensated by OES. If the retail location is a generator site, terms are negotiated between the retailer and the OES approved primary processor.
19How often are items picked up?
OES collectors can request an on-line pick up request and generally receive a pick-up within three to five business days.
For more information, please contact us:
PHONE
1-888-646-1820
EMAIL
services@ontarioelectronicstewardship.ca
