June 18, 2004

Harrowsmith, ON - The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation is pleased to announce their support of an Electronic Waste Recovery Pilot Project that is being undertaken by the Land O’Lakes Communications Network (LOLCN).
LOLCN is embarking on phase one of a project that proposes a new facility be created in rural Frontenac, which will deal with the emerging problem of electronic waste (e-waste).  This facility will accept e-waste from industrial and private sectors throughout Eastern Ontario.  This waste will be collected, assessed, tested and refurbished for distribution through the Computers for Schools Program, and the waste sorted into its component parts to be sent to certified material recyclers.  The process will be self-sustaining with the support of the original electronics equipment manufacturers, and with the co-ordination of government under enabling regulations already drafted.
End-of-life electronics equipment, also known as “e-waste”, is being placed in our landfills at an ever-increasing rate”, says Jim MacPherson, Coordinator, Land O’Lakes Communications Network.  “E-waste materials contain varying amount of hazardous and toxic substances—including lead, mercury and cadmium.  A typical desktop computer monitor contains approximately two kilograms of lead”.
The goal of this phase of the project is to demonstrate that this processing can be performed efficiently in rural Ontario.  “Operation of the new e-waste recovery centre will require enhanced technical work skills in all aspects of the processing of used computer hardware and other e-waste”, says Ryan Seeds, Chair, Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation.  “The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation is pleased to be a partner in this innovative project with funding through Industry Canada’s Knowledge Based Economy Fund.” The Frontenac Community Futures Development Corporation joins Human Resources Skills Development, Municipality of Central Frontenac, and Industry Canada:  Computers for Schools-Ontario in their support of Land O’Lakes Communications Network’s Initiative.