Les déchets électroniques ont triplé en 20 ans au Canada
Recycling of Electronic Devices in Quebec
Duration of Cellphone Usage
- The average duration for which Quebec residents keep their cellphones is between three to four years.
- One individual mentions changing their phone every three years to ensure proper updates and performance.
Issues with Battery and Disposal Practices
- Battery problems are commonly cited as a reason for replacing phones.
- Various disposal methods include reselling, recycling at collection bins, or storing devices in drawers for future use.
Recycling Initiatives and Statistics
- Recyborg, a certified electronic recycling center, collected 13 tons of electronic devices in 2024.
- In 2024, the ARPE reported collecting 6.5 million devices across over 1000 drop-off points in Quebec.
Challenges in Recovery and Recycling
- There is a distinction between recovery (collecting units like computers) and actual recycling; the percentage recycled remains unclear.
- An expert emphasizes that it cannot be assumed all collected items are fully recycled due to lack of transparency.
Concerns Over Material Traceability
- The ARPE acknowledges challenges in tracking the total number of recovered devices since many companies operate outside official programs.
- An economist highlights the obscurity of the recycling system and notes that many electronic products end up in developing countries without clear traceability.