BC WEEE REGULATION

In the Canadian province of British Columbia (BC), the Recycling Regulation 449/2004 (OC 995/2004) manages the waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), also called e-waste. Producers introducing articles into the province’s market have the associated BC WEEE regulation.

BC WEEE Regulation for Producers

Manufacturers or importers are responsible for the future e-waste management of many EEE they introduce to the BC market.

Specifically, they must have and comply with an approved plan under Part 2 of Regulation 449/2004 or abide by Part 3.

Importantly, many producers who don’t have their own recycling plan may adhere to an approved one.

Contact Enviropass today to get the best option!

Scope of the BC WEEE Regulation 449/2004

Electronic and Electrical Product Category

BC’s recycling regulation is part of the Environmental Management Act (SBC 2003, c 53). It took effect on October 7^th, 2004. The Electronic and Electrical Product Category of the regulation consists of consumer and professional products such as:

Telecommunication devices (e.g. computers, calculators)
Audio visual equipment (e.g. cameras, televisions, headphones, musical instruments)
Appliances (e.g. refrigerators, washing machines, radiators)
Tools (e.g. drills, saws, lawn mowers, bar code scanners)
Toys (e.g. remote-control cars, video games)
Control instruments (e.g. heating regulators, smoke detectors, alarm systems, thermostats)
Sports equipment (e.g. electric bikes)
Batteries (primary and rechargeable)
Cables, adapters, and chargers

Notably, some professional electronic devices fall in the BC WEEE scope on top of consumer products.

Some professional products also fall within Ontario’s WEEE or e-waste regulations. In addition, there is legislation surrounding packaging substance restrictions and battery compliance.

Beyond WEEE

Regulation 449/2004 includes not only requirements on WEEE but also:

Batteries
Packaging and Paper
Beverage containers
Residual products (flammable liquids, pesticides, antifreeze, gasoline, paint, etc.)
Tires

BC Environmental Management Act (EMA)

The EMA (SBC 2003, c 53) outlines regulations concerning waste and pollution in BC. It maintains permits, penalties, and fines associated with environmental compliance. The Act’s purpose is to protect public health and the environment.

BC WEEE Regulations Authority

The EPRA (Electronic Products Recycling Association) oversees the implementation of WEEE regulations. They are a non-profit organization that manages regulated recycling programs in Canada. Thus, they ensure that electronic waste is reused or disposed of safely and responsibly.

More details on the provincial program product definitions and fees are available on the EPRA’s website.

Packaging Substance Restrictions

Most producers of electronics also sell packaging items. Fundamentally, producers should test their packaging for the following chemicals and their compounds:

Lead;
Mercury;
Cadmium;
Hexavalent chromium.

These substances should not exceed 100ppm by weight.

Furthermore, packaging legislation includes the European Directive 94/62/EC and the United States Model Legislation, known as CONEG.

For more information, consult our article on compliance with packaging substance restrictions.

Battery Compliance

Moreover, there are laws worldwide that control the presence of heavy metals in batteries. These regulations include labeling, recycling, and testing methods.

For more information, consult our article on battery compliance.

Enviropass is here to assist you with WEEE requirements, worldwide.

Les exigences DEEE des équipements professionnels en Colombie-Britannique

Dans la province canadienne de Colombie-Britannique, la réglementation du recyclage 449/2004 gère les déchets d’équipements électriques et électroniques (DEEE). Les manufacturiers et importateurs sont responsables de la gestion future de déchets électroniques pour la plupart des EEE qu’il placent sur le marché brito-colombien. Cette obligation s’applique à de nombreuse produits domestiques mais aussi professionnels.

L’ARPE (Association pour le recyclage des produits électroniques) est chargée de l’implantation de ces règles DEEE. Plus de détails sur les définitions de produits et frais afférents selon chaque programme provincial sont disponibles sur le site de l’ARPE.