FAQ for Collection Sites

When does the pilot start?

The pilot launches on September 1, 2020.

What is the list of products included in the Pilot Project?

The following electronics product categories will be included in the Pilot:

 

  • Small Appliances: Clock, Fan, Hair dryer, Heater, Iron, Microwave, Residential Air Conditioner, Toaster, Shaver, Vacuum
  • Audio Visual: CD Player, Clock Radio, Digital Camera, DVD Player, Headphones, Satellite Dish, Satellite Radio, Speakers, Video Camera
  • Telecom: Answering Machine, Cell Phone, Landline Phone, Modem and Router, Pager, Satellite Phone, Speakerphone
  • Power and Air Tools: Drill, Grinder, Miter Saw, Nail Gun, Residential Air Compressor, Sharpener, Shop Vacuum, Skillsaw, Table Saw
  • Games, Toys and Music: Action Figure, Amplifier, Guitar, Keyboard, Microphone, Ride-on Toy, Toy Robot, Toy Vehicle, Video Gaming, Equipmen

Can we start collecting these additional items now?

 Yes, ARMA encourages registered municipal and Indigenous collection sites who have the capacity to stockpile these additional items, to do so.

What if we join the Pilot and then change our mind about participating?

This is a voluntary program therefore you are free to drop out at any time. We will be inviting your feedback regarding your decision so that we can continuously work towards improving the program.

Can a municipality or Indigenous community join the pilot project at any time during the pilot?

As long you are currently registered with ARMA to collect electronics, you can sign up to participate in the pilot at any time.

Should I be calling my processor now to get extra containers for the expansion material?

If you plan to collect expansion material prior to the start of the pilot, feel free to consult with your processor to address this additional material. If you do not plan to start collecting until the Pilot begins, your processor will be in touch with you as the project unfolds to plan for your needs.

What if we don’t have enough room to store the expanded material in advance of the startup?

You are not required to start accepting expansion material prior to the start of the pilot.

Do we need to separate the expansion material from the program material?

Yes, you are required to keep expansion material separate from program material and you are also required to continue counting program material.

Will we have to count everything that comes in for the pilot?

You will not be required to count the expansion material that comes in however you will still be required to count the program material that comes in.

 

Prior to the start of the Pilot, we will be providing detailed information to all collection sites (and processors) regarding the process for collection of pilot material including the reporting requirements.

What kind of paperwork will be required during the Pilot Project?

Prior to the start of the Pilot, we will be providing detailed information to all collection sites including the Collection Site Funding Request forms that will function in a similar fashion to the forms you currently use for program material. (scroll further down this page to the SUBMIT A CLAIM section where you can download the funding request forms).

How much will we be paid for participating in the Pilot?

Municipal and Indigenous Collection Sites will be fully compensated for the Pilot Project materials received. We will be sharing the specifics with you once we complete our planning phase.

Can expanded electronics be included in the Roundup Grant Program?

Yes, as of September 1, 2020, municipalities and Indigenous communities can accept expanded electronics products as part of the Roundup Grant Program. The updated grant application will be found here. Updated promotional material reflecting expanded electronics will also be made available to approved applicants.

Can we still have a ‘take it or leave it’ option at our site?

Your take-it-or-leave-it area is separate from ARMA’s programs therefore you can continue to run it.

Who do we call if we aren’t getting service from our processor?

You are free to call any of our registered processors if you are not happy with the service of the one you are using. The list can be found by CLICKING HERE.

 

We would ask however, that you let us know why you have chosen to go with a different processor so that we can address your issues with the one you are currently using. Please email your feedback to us at info@albertarecycling.ca.

What do I need to do now?

ARMA’s Operations Team have been reaching out to all registered collectors to offer a virtual and/or in-person information session on the pilot project. To date we have completed presentations to 70% of registered sites. If for some reason we have not been able to reach you, please email us at epilot@albertarecycling.ca. For your reference, following is the development schedule for the pilot:

ActivityStart DateTentative End Date
PlanningMay 2020August 2020
Stakeholder Engagement and CommunicationsMay 2020September 2022
Pilot StartupSeptember 2020September 2022
Research and Data CollectionSeptember 2020September 2022
Pilot Project AnalysisSeptember 2022November 2022

Research and Data Collection will include the following:

Collection of electronic products that meet the established initial parameters.

Data collection to evaluate the number of electronic products collected and the associated diversion rates.

Field monitoring to assess the operations in terms of resourcing and material handling.

Assessment of local and national downstream recycling market capacity and constraints.

Is there any issue of cross-subsidization regarding the funds from the electronics recycling program being used to support this pilot project?

No, by virtue of the definition of Electronics in the Electronics Designation Regulation, the Electronics Fund can be used for “all electrical and electronics equipment or devices.” There is no legislated or regulatory restriction that it must relate to a certain class of electronics or a certain period of time.

If you have any questions that were not addressed above, please email epilot@albertarecycling.ca and we will be pleased to help you!