City to decide on e-waste collection proposal

Three years ago, the City of Westmount adopted a plan to allocate two days in the year where citizens could get rid of toxic waste. These events are held outside the Westmount Public Library in the spring and fall seasons.

A year later, the City set up a depot at the Public Works Corporation Yard on Bethune Street so citizens could dispose of their dry-cell batteries whenever they want.

Now, the Westmount Healthy City Project wants to take it one step further by proposing a weekly electronic waste pickup service.

“As an idea, it’s very practical,� said city councillor John de Castell, commissioner of community safety and the environment. “(It’s a) simple idea; let’s try and convince our community not to throw e-waste in the garbage.�

City councillor Tom Thompson, chairman of the Healthy City Project Steering Committee and commissioner of administration, said that electronic waste collection is “the next logical step� for hazardous waste disposal.

“We have to look at what we’re going to do with this electronic waste,� Thompson said. “We’ve got to make that an easy possibility.�

According to de Castell, the e-waste proposal has already been presented to the Safety Utilities Environment (SUE), who will then present a recommendation to city council.

“The proposal was studied and discussed at the SUE standing committee,� de Castell said. “The issue will be investigated in terms of practicality.�

If accepted, the Westmount Healthy City Project would begin an awareness campaign to better inform citizens of electronic waste and disposal. The City would also have to find a company that would take in the e-waste, and either recycle or re-use what is picked up.

“A normal occurrence has become very expensive and very uncertain,� Thompson said. “We’ve got to look at all these options.�

In an attempt to get residents’ support, members of the Healthy City Project have introduced the issue of e-waste to schools and institutions. These introductions include ways in which electronic waste can be recycled.

“We hope (the proposal’s) going to pass through,� said Jenny Patton, chair of the Westmount Healthy City Project.

In order for the project to be a success, Thompson said the e-waste collection service will have to “make it easier for the citizens.�

“We absolutely try to keep toxic waste out of the landfills,� he said. “(But) we’ll be in the same position Toronto was a few years ago (if things don’t change).�

According to the Canada Safety Council, e-waste contains toxic materials that can be hazardous if not managed properly. The council stresses that proper recycling of hazardous materials, mainly computers, is an important health and security concern.

Westmount will host its special collection day for household hazardous waste on Saturday, Oct. 21, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the Westmount Public Library.