New recycling fees approved on electronics, tires sold in Yukon

Buying a new set of tires or a computer will soon cost a little more in Yukon, after the government approved a raft of new recycling fees on a number of products.

The surcharges will be levied at the point ofpurchase, and are meant to offset the processing costs of recyclables. The new fees mean there will be no cost for Yukoners to dispose such items at the territory'slandfills.

"We've heard loud and clear from Yukoners that they care about the environment, and they want to have options to safely recycle products," said Jennifer Daggof Environment Yukon.

"In a public consultation process for these amendments, we had support from 70 to 80 per cent of Yukonersfor expansion of recycling programs."

New fees include:

• Tires $7 to $50, depending on size
• Desktop computers $15
• Printers $12
• Display screens (larger than 29") $30
• Phones $2
• Microwave ovens $8
• Clocks, fans $1

The surcharges come into effect on Oct. 11.

The Yukon government is also working on an agreement with a national program that would see Yukonerspay the same fees on purchases made from online retailers, or those outside the territory.

Changes to beverage container fees

The government is also changing the fees collected on all "ready to serve"beverage containers, including milk and milk substitutes.

Starting in August, Yukoners will pay 35 cents for any beverage container larger than 750 ml, and collect a 25 cent refund when they bring it to a processing facility.

Containers smaller than 750 ml, including beer bottles and all milk and milk substitute products, will have a 10 cent surcharge, with a 5 cent refund on return.

Money collected but not paid out as refunds will help cover processing costs.