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Small appliance recycling program starts this weekend in Richmond

If youve ever wondered what to do with that old electric toothbrush, tired vacuum cleaner, blackened toaster oven or microwave, then now is your chance to clean them all out. A new recycling program called Unplugged, launches Saturday, Oct.

If youve ever wondered what to do with that old electric toothbrush, tired vacuum cleaner, blackened toaster oven or microwave, then now is your chance to clean them all out.

A new recycling program called Unplugged, launches Saturday, Oct. 1, in Richmond, where items such as the ones mentioned can be diverted from landfills.

This new program, managed by the Canadian Electrical Stewardship Association (CESA), is a province-wide initiative where more than 120 different types of small appliance products can now be returned to recycling depots.

Unwanted old or broken small electrical appliances can now be delivered to the city's recycling depot at 5555 Lynas Lane.

The depot is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. (closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and statutory holidays).

Other return locations in Richmond include the OK Bottle Depot, Ironwood Bottle Depot and Regional Recycling Depot.

However, not all appliances are accepted through this program. Items not accepted include large appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, washers and dryers, and appliances not powered by electricity.

For a full list of accepted products and to find the recycling location closest to you, visit the Unplugged website at www.unpluggedrecycling.ca.

Funding for this program will be through environmental handling fees charged on these items at the point of purchase, starting Oct. 1. These fees will only be charged on new products purchased. There is no fee or charge for returning the small appliances to recycling depots. The environmental handling fees cover all program cost including collection, transportation and recycling.